Graham Alexander makes ‘special’ return to Preston North End as manager

Graham Alexander has described his return to Preston North End as a “special feeling” after being named manager of his former club, 14 years after ending his playing career at Deepdale.

The 54-year-old leaves Bradford City to take charge of Championship outfit Preston, with his former Lilywhites team-mate and assistant manager Chris Lucketti joining him.

Alexander returns to the club with a wealth of managerial experience and after guiding Bradford to promotion from League Two in the 2024-25 campaign before making the play-offs last season.

The Bantams have made an impressive start to life in League One this term and were top of the table when Preston, who sit 23rd in the second tier, made their approach.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed EFL news you need, subscribe to The Football League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Special feeling

For Alexander, though, the opportunity to return to the club where he spent the most successful part of his playing career proved impossible to turn down.

“It’s a special feeling to be named manager of this football club,” Alexander told the club’s website.

“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.”

Alexander spent eight years at Deepdale across two stints, scoring 64 goals in 400 appearances and helping David Moyes’ side win the old Second Division title in 1999-2000.

He returned for a final season after four years with Burnley before hanging up his boots in 2012 after a career which also saw the right-back turn out for Scunthorpe United and Luton Town.

His subsequent managerial career has since taken him across the leagues, with promotions at Fleetwood Town, Salford City as well as Bradford, while he also guided Scunthorpe into the League One play-offs.

In Scotland, Alexander took Motherwell from the bottom of the Scottish Premiership to European qualification within 18 months.

Ambitions

Now he returns to a Preston side looking to recover from a difficult start to the Championship campaign after Paul Heckingbottom was sacked earlier this month.

The club had lost six of their opening seven league matches before deciding to the part ways with the former Sheffield United and Leeds United manager.

Alexander’s first match in charge will come against Millwall at Deepdale following the end of the international break – and on his 55th birthday.

He is determined to build on the work he has done elsewhere and believes ambition will be central to his return.

“At previous clubs, we’ve always improved league positions and created a team that people can appreciate and attach themselves to,” he said.

“I want to win, I want to be successful, and a big part of that is having ambitions.”

Deep affection

Preston chairman Ian Penrose added: “We are delighted to appoint Graham as our new manager following a detailed and extensive recruitment process.

“His lengthy playing career brings invaluable knowledge of the Championship, Premier League and International football.

“Combined with his in-depth managerial experience, most recently leading Bradford City to promotion and now top of League One he was the standout candidate.

“In addition, what shone through in our meeting was Graham’s absolute desire and determination to return Preston to the top division of English football, driven by his deep affection for the club.

“This is undoubtedly the start of an exciting new era for PNE, one built on positivity, desire, togetherness, and belief.”

Pride

And with his long-standing connection to the club, Alexander now has the chance to write another chapter in his Preston story – this time from the dugout.

His former club paid tribute to his contribution in a statement, while Alexander signed off with an emotional message to the Bradford supporters.

“This decision has been an incredibly difficult one for both of us,” he said.

“It has not been taken lightly, but as always I would like to focus on the positives of our time at this special football club.

“I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity, respect, trust and love we have received here at Bradford City.

“What you all helped us build and achieve was special, creating moments we will never forget.”

And he concluded: “It has been an amazing ride, with moments and memories to fill two careers!

“My time at Bradford City will always be one I look back on with great affection and pride.”

READ MORE: Bradford City boss Graham Alexander weighs up Preston North End return