Bradford City have permitted Preston North End to contact Graham Alexander regarding the vacancy for their managerial position., external
Paul Heckingbottom was dismissed after two years leading Preston North End, following a run of six defeats in their opening seven league matches.
Alexander, aged 54, played for Deepdale on two occasions and amassed 372 league appearances for the club.
He served as caretaker manager for five games in the 2011‑12 season before retiring from playing at the end of that year, aged 40.
“Bradford City AFC confirm they have been approached by Preston North End to discuss Graham Alexander for the managerial vacancy,” the club said.
Bradford City has granted permission for Graham to speak with Preston North End.
BBC Radio Lancashire reports that Preston have narrowed their search to two final candidates for the position.
The Bantams lead League One, having secured five wins in their opening seven matches of the season.
Alexander assumed management at Valley Parade in November 2023 and guided the team to promotion from League Two during his first full season.
They finished fourth in League One in the 2025‑26 campaign before exiting in the play‑off semi‑finals against Bolton Wanderers.
The former Scotland international, who previously managed Fleetwood, Scunthorpe, Salford, Motherwell and MK Dons, remains under contract with the club until the end of next season.
Preston sit second from the bottom of the Championship, with four points from eight matches, and will host Millwall in their first fixture after the international break on Saturday, 10 October.
