Bradford City have narrowed their search for a new manager down to three candidates, according to reports.
The Bantams have enjoyed an excellent start to the season and currently sit top of League One after seven games played. This followed last season’s march to the play-offs in their first campaign back in the third tier.
Unfortunately for them, their form of the last couple of years attracted the attention of Championship outift Preston North End, who swooped to prise manager Graham Alexander and assistant Chris Lucketti to Deepdale. The move came following the departure of previous boss Paul Heckingbottom, who was dismissed following a 1-0 home defeat against Lincoln City earlier this month.
Bradford Seeking Quick Appointment?
If there is any consolation to Alexander’s sudden departure, it’s that it has occurred during the international break. Although League One does technically continue during this period, Bradford are one of several teams in the division that saw last weekend’s fixture postponed due to international call-ups, although they are scheduled to travel to Reading on Saturday.
The club announced just under a week ago that they had reluctantly agreed to let their manager speak to Preston. It’s likely that since then, they have been working on a list of potential successors, especially considering a deal was always likely to go through due to Alexander’s past with the Lilywhites.
That appears to be the case. According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Yorkshire-based team have narrowed their search to just three names, with conversations expected in the coming days.
Duff And Heckingbottom In The Frame
It is said that Michael Duff is one of the primary targets to continue his managerial career at Valley Parade. The 48-year-old has only been out of work a matter of weeks after he was dismissed by Wycombe Wanderers at the beginning of the month.
The ex-Huddersfield Town boss was shown the exit door after the Chairboys failed to win any of the opening five games. Despite that, his sacking was viewed by many as somewhat harsh and he still possesses plenty of admirers within League One.
He is joined by Paul Heckingbottom, who ironically is the man who has been replaced by Alexander at Preston. This one seems an obvious link, with 49-year-old having made over 100 appearances for the club during his playing days.
The third candidate is so far unknown, although City legend and four-time ex-manager Stuart McCall, current Reading boss Leam Richardson and Dave Challinor have all been linked to the role.
