Bradford City boss Graham Alexander on importance of moving on after key exit
BRADFORD City manager Graham Alexander has stressed the importance of the club moving on quickly from the departure of Sam Walker—another leading light from the past couple of seasons who has now headed to pastures new.
The 34-year-old, a stalwart on the pitch and huge presence in the dressing room - in every way - completed his switch to Watford on Wednesday evening after two-and-a-half years at Valley Parade.
Walker received some gushing comments from Alexander and the City fanbase in recognition of his outstanding contribution while at the club. But now it's about turning the page and starting the next chapter, according to the Bantams chief.
Alexander, who has signed Cameron Dawson to provide cover for Jon McCracken following Walker's exit, said: "Now it’s the opportunity for somebody else. We’ve had good players and good characters move on.
"For all we’re going to miss Sam, life goes on and we’re focused on the players that are here right now trying to take us forward.
"It’s important for me to recognise how much of a contribution Sam has made. "But next day, business as normal and we’re on to competing, winning games and driving the squad forward.
"It’s important everyone grasps that nettle. Every football team have to be bigger than any individual and I think we’ve proved that more than most.”
McCracken arrived at the club with a strong reputation after joining from SPL side Dundee earlier in the close season.
The 26-year-old, who has previously earned call-up to the senior Scotland squad in 2024, will make his debut in Saturday's League One opener against Peterborough United at Valley Parade.
Alexander says that he and his coaching staff are building a good working relationship, trust and understanding of the Scottish custodian, who has had requisite time to acclimatise to the training-ground intensity at Woodhouse Grove, which the City chief prides itself on being akin to a matchday.
"That’s why we train in a certain way that’s really competitive. It brings out how players are going to be on a match day," Alexander added.
"If we can form these relationships and understanding of little quirks in every individual’s performance.
"Without a doubt, there will be a part of Jon adapting to what we are and then us seeing what Jon brings to the table and making slight tweaks here and there.
"I love pre-season for that reason, bringing in new players and seeing what they are really about.
"You only get 50-60 per cent of them off recruitment and analysis. The real person is hidden away a little bit and training and games brings that out.
"We’ve done it several times over in the last two and a half years. That’s how modern football is.
"It’s quite volatile on that side. Going into this summer, I didn’t expect it to be that many changes.
"The number of players going in and out is a lot more than I foresaw. But we have to be ready and I think we are.”