After a successful stint at Bradford City, Alexander aims to revitalize struggling Championship side
Category: Sports
Preston North End has officially appointed Graham Alexander as their new manager, marking a notable return for the club legend who previously made 372 appearances as a player. Alexander's appointment comes after the club's disappointing start to the season, where they lost six of their first seven Championship games. This move is seen as a homecoming for Alexander, who has a deep emotional connection with Preston, having played there for 14 years before retiring in 2012.
Following the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom, Alexander takes over a team that currently sits second-bottom in the Championship standings, having accumulated just four points from eight matches. His first game in charge will be at home against Millwall on October 10, coinciding with his 55th birthday. In his initial comments as manager, Alexander expressed his excitement, stating, "It’s a special feeling to be named manager of this football club. After speaking to Preston, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. I had an amazing time here as a player, and it’s great to be back."
Before returning to Preston, Alexander enjoyed a successful tenure at Bradford City, where he was highly regarded by supporters. He led the Bantams to promotion to League One during the 2024-25 season and had them sitting atop the League One table this season with five wins from seven games. His departure from Bradford, where he was appreciated and respected, has raised eyebrows, particularly considering the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs in the EFL pyramid.
Alexander's decision to leave Bradford for Preston reflects both a personal and professional ambition. He has always maintained a strong affiliation with Preston, stating, "Everyone knows about my affiliation and affection for this club, it goes back 27 years now." His return is not just a nostalgic move; it comes with the goal of revitalizing a struggling team and restoring belief among the supporters.
Alongside Alexander, Chris Lucketti, his long-time assistant and fellow former Preston player, has also joined the coaching staff. The duo has previously worked together at several clubs, including Fleetwood Town, Scunthorpe United, and Salford City. Their familiarity with each other and shared history at Preston is expected to benefit the club as they attempt to turn their season around.
With Alexander at the helm, the immediate focus will be on improving Preston's defensive record, which has been a major concern. The team has conceded 15 goals in just eight matches, a statistic that Alexander, known for his defensive prowess during his playing days, will be eager to address. He remarked, "My Bradford side have conceded only four league goals this season. Preston North End have conceded 15, and that will hurt. For a club with ambitions of achieving anything in the Championship, that simply is not good enough."
The upcoming match against Millwall on October 10 will serve as a litmus test for Alexander’s management style and strategies. The expectation from the fans is high, as they hope to see a more resilient and competitive side. Alexander is aware of the challenges ahead, stating, "Make them difficult to beat. Restore some belief. Get Deepdale back on side. Start moving up the table." His approach will likely involve instilling confidence and discipline within the squad, as well as a tactical overhaul to improve results.
As the club prepares for this new chapter, the supporters' sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. The return of a beloved figure like Alexander, combined with his proven track record, offers hope that Preston North End can navigate their way out of the relegation zone and aim for a more successful campaign in the Championship.
In his own words, Alexander is committed to winning and building a team that fans can connect with. He emphasized, "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." With the backing of the fanbase and a clear vision for the future, Alexander's tenure could signal a turning point for Preston North End.