Bradford City boss Graham Alexander confirms blow for key man plus his thoughts on EFL award nomination

Wright has come into his own in 2026 – scoring some spectacular goals in the Bantams’ League One promotion push – and has proved to be one of their real form players, scoring three times in his last four outings.

But the Irishman missed the Easter programme against Northampton Town and Wycombe Wanderers and will be out for a few more weeks with the issue.

Alexander, whose side host promotion rivals Stevenage this weekend, said: “He’s going to be missing for a few weeks. He’s got a little strain.

"It’s a shame for him and for us but he’s just missed the last two games and Ibby (Ibou Touray) has stepped into that position from where he was playing in the back three and we’ve won both.

"That’s the squad we are talking about and trying to create and maintain.

“Harrison (Ashby) came off with a little bit of cramp, so we’re going to have a look at him today to see how he is. But everybody else has trained as normal and are ready for the weekend.”

Meanwhile, Alexander says that his short-listing for the EFL League One manager-of-the-year award is shared recognition of the excellence across his coaching team and staff alongside those on the pitch who have represented the club with distinction in 2025-26.

The City boss is among four nominees alongside Lincoln City chief and former Leeds United caretaker boss and under-23 coach Michael Skubala, who has just guided the Imps to promotion to the second tier, Cardiff City's Brian Barry-Murphy and Stevenage boss Alex Revell.

Alexander added: “I’m honoured to be in the equation. It means one thing – the team’s been winning games.

"If a manager is nominated for anything, it’s usually that his team has been successful in some capacity or in relation to what’s expected.

"The credit goes down to everyone who has contributed from day one of pre-season.

"Just to be in the conversation is enough. Like last year, worthy nominees, worthy winners whoever that is – it’s good for the club to get that recognition again.

"It was something I learned from early days in playing that I couldn’t win a game of football on my own.

"It’s the same as a manager, even more so. The responsibilities that a manager has and the amount of people he has to connect with, it’s impossible to do it on your own.

"I’ve had Chris (Lucketti) next to me for a long time now both as a player and a manager. I’ve said it many times that I trust him with my life – I don’t have to say any more than that.

"What I’ve really enjoyed in this side of my career going from one club to another and inheriting staff there and being able to bring people in and getting to know new people.

"That’s one of the major positives I take from this job. I’ve met some brilliant coaches, medical teams and recruitment staff and I try to take something and learn a bit from all of them.

"I love that work ethic and togetherness."