Chief executive Ryan Sparks has praised Graham Alexander and his assistant Chris Lucketti for leaving Bradford City “in a much stronger position than the one they inherited” after joining Preston North End.

Alexander has been linked with a return since former Sheffield United, Leeds United and Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom was sacked on September 13 as a poor end to last season bled into this one.

The Bantams have put Mark Trueman in caretaker charge for Saturday's League One game at Reading, assisted by goalkeeping coach Colin Doyle.

Although some fans are understandably hurt at Alexander and Lucketti walking out on a project they invested so much in, Sparks struck a more grateful tone.

"We knew managing in the Championship was an ambition of Graham’s and, given his long-standing connection with Preston, understood why he wanted to pursue the move,” he said.

“Graham and Chris leave Bradford City in a much stronger position than the one they inherited, with firmer foundations.

“We will always be grateful for everything they have given the club, and hope our supporters will join us in wishing them and their families nothing but success for the future.”

Alexander called the decision "incredibly difficult for both of us."

MOVING ON: Graham Alexander (Image: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — MOVING ON: Graham Alexander (Image: Tony Johnson)

He added: "I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity, respect, trust and love we have received at Bradford City.

“What you all helped us build and achieve was special, creating moments we will never forget. May 3 2025, and the days which followed were highlights of my career; seeing how you back your team and bring pride to the city is truly special.

"Your support during the tough moments was crucial and was never taken for granted.

"Thank you for the atmosphere, colour, faith, patience and excitement you bring to any stadium – especially at Valley Parade. Together, we have created a venue opponents fear visiting.”

PRAISE: Bradford City chief executive Ryan Sparks (Image courtesy of Bradford City AFC)

Between them, Alexander and Lucketti made more than 600 appearances for North End, and still live in the north west. Alexander had fives games as caretaker manager in 2011-12.

The pair leave with Bradford top of League One after a near-three-year spell which was one of the club's most successful.

Alexander won half his 158 games. Only Roy McFarland, with 54.7 per cent in 1981-82, had a better win ratio across 20 or more Bradford games.

He took over as manager in November 2023, and narrowly missed the League Two play-offs after a strong finish to his first season. A year later they dramatically won automatic promotion, Antoni Sarcevic's goal in the sixth added minute of the final game securing third.

Last season they finished fourth in League One, but were beaten by Bolton Wanderers in the play-offs.

The search is now on for a successor, reportedly with £500,000 in compensation to help.

Promotion rivals Plymouth Argyle are led by Bradfordian Tom Cleverley, and Preston have freed up Heckingbottom, a former Bantams player with wide Championship experience and an assistant in Stuart McCall who is a club legend as a player and manager.