Graham Alexander is in the right place, and Bradford City are top of League One to prove it. That is the verdict of former striker and BBC Final Score pundit Aaron McLean, who used his weekend takeaways column to dismiss any notion that Alexander should be tempted by the Preston North End vacancy and to assess what is driving the Bantams' promotion credentials.

Top of the table on the tightest defence in the EFL

Bradford sit first in League One after their historic 1-0 win at Luton Town last weekend ended a 58-year wait for a victory over the Hatters. That result lifted them above Sheffield Wednesday, and their underlying numbers are striking: seven goals scored in seven games, but just four conceded, a defensive record that is joint-best across the entire EFL.

McLean is not surprised. "Bradford are a massive club," he said. "You only have to listen to the noise they make at Valley Parade and the support they get. Graham Alexander is an outstanding manager who is at the right club for him to continue progressing."

The link between Alexander and the Preston job has circulated in recent days, given his long association with Deepdale as a player. McLean is clear that the Bradford head coach belongs where he is.

Bouncebackability the defining trait

McLean highlighted a specific quality that separates Bradford from the rest of the early promotion contenders: their ability to respond when results turn against them. The Bantams won their opening two fixtures, then suffered back-to-back defeats before stringing three wins together.

"After those back-to-back defeats you are looking at them thinking, 'oh was it just a good start'," McLean said, "but then they go and win three in a row. Even in adversity they can bounce back and respond in the right way."

That pattern reflects a team with genuine character rather than a side feeding off early-season momentum. When Bradford have fallen behind the pace, they have consistently found an answer.

Goals the outstanding question

McLean is candid about the one area that could undermine a serious promotion push. Seven goals in seven matches is a modest return, and he doubts such frugality in front of goal is sustainable across a full season.

"Is their lack of goals sustainable for a promotion challenge? No, probably not," he said. "But at the moment it hasn't needed to be because they have been so good defensively and so hard to beat, from front to back."

He added that when Bradford do take the lead, they manage games effectively. The clinical edge, he believes, will come. He singled out Bobby Pointon as the forward most likely to drive the improvement, tipping the young striker to become one of the standout attackers in the division over the coming seasons.

Valley Parade as an asset

McLean's broader point about the club itself carries weight. Bradford's support is among the loudest and most loyal in the third tier, and the atmosphere at Valley Parade has already been cited by Alexander as a genuine factor in the team's home form. That relationship between supporters and squad, McLean argues, makes Bradford a place where an ambitious manager can build something meaningful rather than use it as a stepping stone.

With the promotion race still in its early stages, Bradford's defensive solidity gives them a platform that most clubs in League One would envy. Whether the goals come to match it will determine how long they can hold the summit position, but for now the Bantams look every inch a side built to last the distance.

Frequently asked

Are Bradford City top of League One?
Yes, Bradford City are top of League One after seven games, having moved above Sheffield Wednesday following their 1-0 win at Luton Town.
Is Graham Alexander leaving Bradford for Preston?
There is no confirmed departure. Alexander has been linked with the Preston vacancy, but pundit Aaron McLean argues he is at the right club and should stay at Bradford City.
What is Bradford City's defensive record this season?
Bradford have conceded just four goals in seven League One games, a record that is joint-best across the entire EFL at this stage of the season.