Preston North End look set to appoint Bradford City manager Graham Alexander after parting company with Paul Heckingbottom earlier this month, which could spark an uncanny set of events.
Alexander is considered a legend at Deepdale having featured over 400 times for the club over two spells between 1999 and 2012. After briefly taking charge of the Lilywhites on an interim basis during his final season, he began his managerial journey at Fleetwood Town in the same year.
He guided the Cod Army into League One in 2014 before making the switch to Scunthorpe United two years later. Since then, he has appeared in the dugout at Salford City, Motherwell, Milton Keynes Dons before settling into his current role at Bradford.
The 54-year-old’s time at Valley Parade has been an unmitigated success. He first achieved promotion from League Two in 2025, ending the Bantams six-year stay in England’s fourth tier. This was followed by an impressive debut campaign in League One, where they reached last season’s play-offs.
Alexander has proved that last season’s run wasn’t a flash in the pan. Bradford currently sit top of the division, which has caught the eye of former club Preston.
Graham Alexander’s final appearance for Preston. It’s worth watching the entire 4:22. 🥹#pnefc pic.twitter.com/5HuHdEyxdK
— The Football Lowdown (@FBLowdown) September 24, 2026
Appointment Seemingly Imminent
Yesterday, Bradford confirmed that they had reluctantly given permission to Preston to allow them to speak to their manager. It is undoubtedly a bitter blow for the Yorkshire-based outfit, who harbour ambitions of returning to the Championship themselves.
Still, there is a certain romance about Alexander’s potential return to the North West and it is understandable that this is an opportunity he would like to explore. He has never managed in the Championship himself and to do that at the club in which he holds such an affinity with would make the achievement extra special.
Although it is believed that Preston have narrowed the search down to two candidates, it does appear the more likely scenario that they have already found their man. He is someone who would give the supporters an extra lift and he would almost certainly be afforded more patience than anyone else who would come through the door.
Could Bradford Seek A Reunion Of Their Own?
Bradford will of course be hugely disappointed to lose a key component of their recent success less than two months into the season. However, Preston’s decision to part with Heckingbottom could be one that plays into their hands.
The 49-year-old made over 100 appearances for the club across three different spells during his playing days and looks to be the obvious candidate. It remains to be seen as to whether he would be willing to drop to League One or jump straight back into work just a matter of weeks after his recent dismissal, but it would be remiss of Bradford not to at least sound out his interest in the position.
In terms of the drop in division, Heckingbottom may have to accept that’s what he needs to do in order to get back into the game and the project at his former club is an attractive one. The Bantams have the right foundations to continue to fight at the top of the table and should be considered serious contenders for promotion.
Clearly, that will still be a tough task, especially with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle and many more all fighting for one of the three spots. Still, the ex-Sheffield United boss has shown he is capable of achieving promotion in League One, having won the play-offs with Barnsley in 2016.
Losing Alexander is a blow, but it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that come the beginning of next month, Preston and Bradford could have effectively swapped managers.
