BRADFORD City manager Graham Alexander has revealed his delight at seeing ‘nice guy’ Will Swan show his aggressive and ruthless side during an impressive pre season to date – and ‘proving a point’ in the process.

The former Mansfield Town and Crawley striker netted his fifth goal in City’s pre-season friendly schedule in Wednesday night’s entertaining 3-2 victory over Championship outfit Preston North End at Valley Parade.

It followed braces in games against FC Halifax Town and Austrian outfit Gmunden – City faced the latter during their recent training camp in the Austrian Alps.

It constitutes a strong and encouraging contribution from Swan, who scored just two goals from early September onwards last term following a flying start to his Bantams career which saw him plunder six goals at the start of 2025-26.

Bradford's City Will Swan, pictured in action against Cardiff City last season. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Bradford's City Will Swan, pictured in action against Cardiff City last season. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Alexander, whose side visit Salford City on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, said: "Swanny has scored a few in pre-season and I thought did really well (against Preston). He had an outstanding week in Austria.

"The competition we have in those areas is really good. We need strengthening in other areas, defensively I think, to make sure that we have a chance to have another good season.”

The City chief continued: "I spoke to him (Swan) last season about his condition and being at the top level he can.

"Swanny is a really nice guy, really laid-back. But we're a really aggressive, intensive team, and I'm a really aggressive, intensive manager.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

"I want my players to be like that all the season through.

"I thought he came in with a point to prove (last season), scored a lot of goals, and sort of drifted away a little bit, and other people took the opportunities.

"He's come back again, eager to prove a point. Keep proving that point for the rest of your career and I think he'll be in a good place.

"That's the thing. We're all proving a point every day of our careers in football or someone else will take your spot, mine included.

"You have to have that desire to be better than everyone else every day.”

Alexander provided updates on several players not involved against North End, including positive news regarding Joe Wright following his recent freak eye injury.

He said: "Joe Wright got the all-clear (on Wednesday) from a private appointment about his eye.

"Macaulay Gillesphey has been off for a couple of days with a family issue, while Laps (George Lapslie) went for scan after a twinge in his quad at start of training (on Tuesday).

"George isn’t too concerned that it’s something significant but the scan will clear that up.”