Bradford City boss Graham Alexander on speculation with Championship club Preston North End
BRADFORD City chief Graham Alexander says he is comfortable with speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at former club Preston North End - and has pledged that his focus won't waver at Valley Parade.
Alexander, a playing legend in his time at North End - where he has a long association - is figuring prominently in the betting for the manager's role following the departure of ex-Barnsley and Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom last weekend.
A number of names have been mentioned as prospective candidates for the North End job including Steve Cooper, Rob Edwards, Dave Challinor and Sean Dyche.
Alexander, 54, who took over at City in November 2023, said: "When you're winning games and you're consistently winning games season in, season out, of course, there's going to be a spotlight and a profile on whoever's impacted on those results.
"It's staff members, it's managers, it's coaches, it's players, sporting directors, everybody. It highlights that.
"I think any speculation about any of us here is due to the fact that we've, as a club, done a lot of good things over a sustained period of time.
"If I'm not doing that, if I'm doing anything else, then I'm doing so many people a disservice and that's not in my nature to do.
"I don't think it's the first time I've been linked with Preston North End because of my history there. My relationship is well documented over many, many interviews for the last two decades on what happened with me at that particular club.
"I don't know how big it is outside, because I have no relevance to that.
"But I think it's normal. I speak about transfer windows and interest in your players.
"It's a good thing. It means you've got good players, you've got a good team."
The Midlander, who boasts a superb 49 per cent win record at the club, insists his sole concern is preparing for Saturday's encounter at Luton.
"You know how I think, I'm pretty consistent with how I do things,” he continued.
"It's the opportunity, the next opportunity, the next game. I don't look too far in the future."