'My mind was set' - Graham Alexander on decision to depart Bradford City for Preston North End
Graham Alexander has opened up on his move from Bradford City to Preston North End
Graham Alexander has admitted his “mind was set” on a move from Bradford City to Preston North End following talks with the Lilywhites.
The 54-year-old has departed Valley Parade for Deepdale, returning to a club he represented on over 400 occasions as a player.
He has been followed to Lancashire by Chris Lucketti, his trusted number two and former Preston teammate. The pair worked wonders in West Yorkshire and leave for the Championship with the Bantams top of the League One table.
Graham Alexander’s first words as Preston North End boss
In his first interview as Preston boss, Alexander said: “After speaking to Preston, my mind was set that this was the place I wanted to be. Everyone knows about my affiliation and affection for this club, it goes back 27 years now.
“I had an amazing time here as a player, first and foremost, and now to be back as manager is a special feeling.
“I want to win, I want to be successful, and a big part of that is having ambitions. Even without my affiliation with Preston in the past, it’s a really attractive job anyway.”
Graham Alexander’s decision to depart
Alexander took charge of Bradford in November 2023 and was tasked with breathing life into a bruised League Two club.
He led the Bantams out of the fourth tier in 2025 and immediately took the club into the League One play-offs last term. They were beaten by Bolton Wanderers at the semi-final stage, but bounced back to make a strong start to the current campaign.
Alexander said: “I've spoke to quite a few people over the last few days, or had messages from a lot of people, probably a little bit independent from Bradford City but still people connected with Bradford City.
“[They] said it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down - but by then my decision had already been made.”