Bradford City boss appointed new Preston North End manager

Alexander leaves Bradford after guiding the Bantams to promotion to League One in 2024-25 and the top of this season’s table.

The 54-year-old is returning to Preston, 14 years after retiring as a player. He made 372 appearances over two spells and replaces sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom.

Heckingbottom was removed after Preston lost six of their first seven Championship games.

Bradford gave Alexander permission to speak to Preston on Thursday, despite his side’s position.

Meanwhile, Oxford United are 10th during the international break, with two games in hand on some teams which have continued playing.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has joined Preston North End (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

The U’s are due to host currently managerless Bradford on October 24.

The new Preston manager Alexander said: “It’s a special feeling to be named manager of this football club. I had an amazing time here as a player and it’s great to be back.

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“At previous clubs, we’ve always improved league positions and created a team that people can appreciate and attach themselves to. I want to win, I want to be successful, and a big part of that is having ambitions.”

Former Preston defender Chris Lucketti has joined Alexander as his assistant.

The pair have previously worked together at Fleetwood, Scunthorpe, Salford, Motherwell, MK Dons and Bradford.

Alexander takes charge of Preston of whom former Oxford winger Stanley Mills joined late in the summer transfer window.