MARK TRUEMAN admits that Graham Alexander's decision to leave Bradford City to join Championship outfit Preston North End constituted an emotional time for players and staff - who must now quickly move on.

Trueman, 38, has been handed the reins in a caretaker capacity - not for the first time - following the departure of a manager at Valley Parade. He is leading preparations for Saturday's League One game at Reading, where goalkeeping coach Colin Doyle is supporting him.

On the departure of Alexander - who presided over an outstanding transformation of fortunes since joining City in November 2023, Trueman said: "Obviously, it's quite a unique situation for everyone at the club. Emotions were high and low for a lot of people.

"When we heard the news about Graham and Chris (Lucketti) moving on, we were obviously in a position where we've got to deal with it. We've got to move on, but the job the gaffer has done is fantastic along with Chris and we understand and (I) respect his decision to move on.

Bradford City interim boss Mark Trueman.

placeholder image — Bradford City interim boss Mark Trueman.

"We've just got to move on now and look forward to Reading.

"They've done a great job. They've built a foundation at the club, both on and off the pitch.

"Graham built a good rapport with the fans, which then helped the players and helped us win games at Valley Parade. Again, the foundations that are set here with the squad he's built along with David (Sharpe) and Ryan (Sparks) puts the next person who steps into his job in a good place.

"Obviously some players, when we heard the news, were a little bit upset, but as soon as we were back on the grass and we're all thinking: 'work, let's get back on to thinking about Reading."

Graham Alexander has left Bradford City for Preston North End.

A number of names including Michael Duff, Dave Challinor and Tom Cleverley and have been linked with the vacant post, although ex-City player Paul Heckingbottom has ruled himself out of the running. The former Barnsley, Sheffield United and Leeds United chief has been replaced at North End by Alexander.

On whether he expects to be in the dug-out for this weekend, Trueman added: "I am at the moment because I've taken three days of training and I'm planning for Friday's session.

"Until I get told (otherwise), we have the day off on Thursday, but things can change in football. We've definitely all learned that."

"I know (with) the work that Ryan and David do, that as soon as there was an interest in the manager (job), they've got to look at other managers out of work, in work, whoever that might be, who would be a good fit for Bradford City.

"I've just got to keep the standards and prepare for Reading."

Trueman was asked, not for the first time in his interim spells at the helm of his hometown club, whether he would be interested in the post in a permanent capacity.

Trueman, first-team coach under Alexander, continued: "I've just got to focus on the game. If I get linked to the job, then great, but I'm in a position where I know where I stand at the club.

"I'm hopefully well-respected within the group of players. If a new manager comes in, obviously he gets an opportunity to work with me, we're going to stand as a group, if that's something he wants."