Graham Alexander returns to Preston as manager after leaving Bradford

Preston North End have appointed Graham Alexander as manager, bringing their former player back to Deepdale after his departure from Bradford City. Central Radio reported the confirmed appointment on Monday, September 28. Alexander returns 14 years after ending his playing career at the club in 2012, with long-term assistant Chris Lucketti also joining him.

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The move places the 54-year-old in charge of a side struggling near the bottom of the Championship. According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Preston have collected four points from their opening eight league matches and are in the relegation zone. Alexander replaces Paul Heckingbottom, taking over at a club facing a very different situation from the one he leaves behind.

Bradford are top of League One after winning five of their first seven fixtures. The Lancashire Telegraph reported that Alexander had previously guided the club out of League Two, then reached the League One play-offs last season before losing to Bolton in the semi-finals. His departure therefore comes after both a promotion and a subsequent challenge for another step up.

Lucketti's arrival means Alexander will retain a familiar colleague in his new role. Like Alexander, he also played for Preston. The Daily Echo reported that their working relationship has included spells together at Fleetwood, Scunthorpe, Salford, Motherwell and MK Dons, as well as Bradford. Both men are returning to a club they knew during their playing careers.

Preston chairman Ian Penrose said the appointment followed an extensive recruitment process, according to Central Radio's account of the announcement. He cited Alexander's playing experience across the Championship, Premier League and international football, alongside his managerial record. Penrose also said Alexander's desire to take Preston back to the top division had been clear during their discussions.

Alexander described his return as personally significant and said he wanted to build a successful team that supporters could identify with. His first match in charge is scheduled for October 10 against Millwall, Central Radio reported. The appointment gives Preston a new management team before that fixture, with Alexander now tasked with improving their difficult start to the season.