Bradford City have potentially received an update in an ongoing Championship managerial pursuit, just days before their trip to Luton Town in League One.
The Bantams have undergone another strong start to life in the third-tier, as they aim to go a step further after their play-off campaign last season.
Despite a slip at the end of August, Bradford have won seven of their opening nine matches across all competitions, keeping six clean sheets along the way as they find themselves with the joint-best defensive record in the division.
Unsurprisingly, their impressive start has caught the attention of higher division teams – potentially hinting at future situations that could impact their quest to return to the second-tier.
Bradford receive potential update in ongoing Championship manager pursuit
As mentioned, the Bantams’ have had a standout start once again to life in League One – and this has led to a situation where they could lose the mastermind behind their rise.
Earlier this week, Preston North End parted company with manager Paul Heckingbottom, with the club sat 23rd in the Championship, winning just one of their opening seven matches and having the joint-second worst defensive record.
This has led to ongoing rumours that the club could make a move for former player Graham Alexander, who of course is the current manager of Bradford.
Alexander recently addressed these reports, though he didn’t confirm or deny anything regarding a potential move – more highlighting his work ethic and how he is focussed on making sure he focuses on his current tasks rather than focussing his efforts elsewhere.
However, a report from journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that former Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane is in the frame for the role and that no offer has been made for Alexander at present.
The 46-year-old is currently without a managerial role, following his departure from Hungarian side Ferencvarosi TC, months after leading his side to the Magyar Kupa trophy.
Should Bradford be worried?
Nixon’s update regarding Keane and the ongoing managerial pursuit, plays down the ongoing speculation surrounding Alexander and a departure from Valley Parade.
However, the mention of there not yet being an offer for him, may suggest that Preston could also be looking at him and are possibly (but not confirmed) using Keane as a tactic rather than an actual target.
Similarly, Alexander failed to provide Bradford fans with any information about him staying around – nor did he mention an exit was on the cards. The uncertainty of it however, may create a sense of unease for the Bantams supporters.
Though the two clubs are only divided by four league places across the two divisions, Bradford remain a side on the rise after a difficult few years whilst Preston are an established Championship team – and the proposition of managing in the second tier at one of his former sides could prove to be too big of an opportunity to turn down.
Meanwhile, Bradford have enjoyed a promotion and a play-off campaign in their last two years and have already hinted that this season could be another successful one for the club – tempting Alexander to stay and lead his current side into the Championship instead.
The 54-year-old signed a new contract in July 2025 until the summer of 2028 – ensuring that of Keane isn’t their main target and Alexander made the move, the club would be financially protected.
