Bradford City have confirmed they have given Preston North End permission to speak to manager Graham Alexander, describing the decision as a reluctant one. The Bantams sit top of League One with five wins from their opening seven matches, making the timing of the approach particularly unwelcome from a Bradford perspective.

Preston sacked Paul Heckingbottom earlier this month after six defeats in seven Championship matches left the club second bottom of the second tier. According to BBC Radio Lancashire, Alexander is now down to the final two candidates being considered for the role.

In a statement, Bradford said: "Bradford City AFC can confirm we have been approached by Preston North End to speak to Graham Alexander regarding the Championship side's managerial vacancy. Reluctantly, Bradford City has granted permission for Graham to speak to Preston North End."

That single word, "reluctantly", carries plenty of weight. Alexander took over at Valley Parade in November 2023 and has won exactly half of his 158 games in charge. More to the point, he guided Bradford out of League Two in his first full season and then steered them to a play-off place in 2025-26, before a defeat to Bolton Wanderers ended their bid for back-to-back promotions. This season they have picked up where that campaign left off, sitting at the summit of League One with arguably the division's best defensive record.

The connection between Alexander and Preston is genuine and longstanding. He made 372 league appearances for the club across two spells as a player and had a five-game caretaker stint in 2011-12, before finishing his playing career at Deepdale at the age of 40. When a club comes calling that shaped so much of your career, it would be surprising if the conversation were not at least worth having.

Alexander is contracted to Bradford until the end of next season, so Preston would need to compensate the Bantams to secure his services. Whether they are willing to do so, and whether Alexander himself wants to make the move, remains to be seen. BBC Radio Lancashire's report that he is one of two final candidates suggests the process is moving quickly.

For Bradford supporters, the situation is a familiar frustration. Build a manager up, watch results improve, and then attract the attention of clubs operating with larger budgets and the lure of a higher division. In fairness, seven games is seven games, and the temptation to read too much into an early-season table should be resisted. But Bradford's performances have not looked like a side propped up by luck; the defensive solidity in particular has been consistent rather than fortunate.

Preston host Millwall on Saturday, 10 October, their first match back after the international break, so whatever decision is made will need to come soon. If Alexander does depart, Bradford will face the task of replacing the architect of two successive upward steps, while attempting to protect a League One position they have worked hard to establish. The club's statement suggests they are not minded to let him go easily; the word "reluctantly" was presumably chosen with some care.

For now, the situation is unresolved. Alexander is contracted, Bradford are top, and a Championship club have come knocking. The next few days will clarify considerably where this ends up.

Frequently asked

Is Graham Alexander leaving Bradford City?
Bradford City have given Preston North End permission to speak to Alexander, but no deal has been confirmed. He remains under contract at Valley Parade until the end of next season.
Why are Preston interested in Graham Alexander?
Alexander has strong ties to Preston, having made 372 league appearances for the club across two spells as a player. Preston are seeking a new manager after sacking Paul Heckingbottom earlier in the season.
How are Bradford City doing in League One this season?
Bradford are top of League One after five wins from their opening seven matches, with one of the best defensive records in the division.