Bradford City boss Graham Alexander pleased to be up close and personal again with his players in huge League Two game at Doncaster Rovers

The Bantams chief is on touchline duty again following a two-match punishment which meant he was confined to the stands for the Easter games versus Notts County and Chesterfield.

Amid a high-stakes derby at Doncaster Rovers, where the promotion stakes are sky-high, Alexander is pleased that normal service is resumed and that he can be an instant point of call to his players.

He said: "It’s my own fault so I’ve had to take it on the chin. I can’t blame anyone about it.

"I prefer to be with my team. I think there’s an emotion side to our team and a feeling between us all.

"The closer I am to the players and the coaching staff, I think we’re better for it.

"I’m there to help the players as are all the staff. That’s our only concern to help them perform to their best level.”

While Alexander admits that his vantage point from the stands gave him a better tactical picture of on-pitch events over Easter, he knows what he prefers.

Especially in such a huge game where in-game management, quick decisions and clarity from the sidelines could be vital.

He added: "Some players will respond well to it, some might not. There are two sides.

"I think I get a better view and tactical understanding of the game that’s going on (up in the stand) but the connection is lost between me and the players directly.

"I have got quite a loud voice so I can get myself heard and get messages on straight away.

"It’s sometimes difficult when you’re sat right among the fans like the other day and the walkie-talkie isn’t the best. I was a long way back and the communication was difficult."