It’s giving major drama at Bradford City right now. Just as the squad was hitting their stride at the top of the League One table, manager Graham Alexander unexpectedly dipped to join Preston. Talk about an L for the fanbase—this is the first time the club has lost a manager mid-season in 43 years.
The Alexander Era
Real talk, Alexander left the club in a better place than he found it. Since taking over in 2023, he managed 79 wins in 158 games, giving him the best win rate in the club's history. He turned a struggling side into a high-pressing, promotion-chasing machine, even hitting a record-breaking 10 consecutive home wins. CEO Ryan Sparks acknowledged that Alexander delivered some of the most iconic moments in recent memory, but the timing of his exit—just two months into a season built around his specific style—has left many fans feeling salty.
Who’s Up Next?
With coaches Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle stepping in as interim bosses, the search is officially on. Interestingly, Leam Richardson—one of the top candidates—was in the opposite dugout during Bradford’s weekend match against Reading. While Richardson played it cool and denied contact, the front office is clearly scouting for a manager who can maintain the momentum Alexander built. Other names circulating include Plymouth’s Tom Cleverley, who has been quietly leveling up his reputation as a manager over the last two years.
Why it matters
Bradford is chasing a return to the second tier for the first time in 23 years. With the team currently topping the table, the board’s next hire is high-stakes; if they fumble this appointment, the whole promotion push could be in jeopardy. No cap, the pressure is on.
