Phil Bardsley dismissive of Preston North End speculation regarding Bradford City boss Graham Alexander
Speculation regarding Bradford City boss Graham Alexander has been addressed by an ex-Premier League defender
Former Premier League defender Phil Bardsley has played down speculation regarding Bradford City boss Graham Alexander and the vacant Preston North End job.
Alexander has done a stellar job at Valley Parade, leading the Bantams to promotion from League Two and then immediately into the League One play-offs last season.
Heading into the first international break of the season, the West Yorkshire outfit sit top of the League One table.
Alexander made over 400 appearances for Preston as a player, therefore tongues were set wagging when the Lilywhites parted with Paul Heckingbottom earlier this month.
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Phil Bardsley on Graham Alexander
Former Sunderland, Burnley and Stoke City defender Bardsley, however, has suggested Alexander will be staying put.
He told Lyllo Casino: “I know there was speculation about the manager with the Preston job, but I think when you're doing a good job somewhere and the fit's right, you just stay put and try to get success there, and I think he's doing that.
“Bradford City had a decent campaign last year and have some really good players. They lost Max Power in the summer, so recruitment on that side brought in some good experience.
“My old teammate at Stockport keeps doing a fine job, Antoni Sarcevic is rolling back the years, putting in performances, and scoring great goals. I'm delighted for him and delighted for the team.”
Graham Alexander’s stance
Last week, Alexander was quizzed about speculation regarding the possibility of a return to Deepdale.
He 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.”
Sheffield United’s ‘2UP’ prize pot stands at £14,000 ahead of their home league match. Midnite ran a similar campaign at Bramall Lane last season called ‘Brace Yourself’ where one fan would win money if a Blades player scored twice in a home league game.
As a result of no ‘Brace Yourself’ winner for Sheffield United last season, Midnite started the 2026/27 ‘2UP’ prize pot at a huge £10,000 with £1,000 rolling over after every home league match.