Preston North End have appointed former player and Bradford City boss Graham Alexander as their new permanent manager. The 54-year-old takes over the Deepdale hot seat on September 25, 2026. He succeeds Paul Heckingbottom, who was dismissed following a difficult start to the Championship campaign that yielded six defeats in their opening seven matches.
- A Deep History at Deepdale
- Departure from Bradford City
- Immediate Challenges at Preston
- Managerial Career Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Graham Alexander appointed Preston manager?
- Who did Graham Alexander replace at Preston?
- Who is Graham Alexander’s assistant manager?
- What was Graham Alexander’s record at Bradford City?
- When is Graham Alexander’s first game in charge?
Alexander arrives alongside his longtime assistant coach and former Preston teammate Chris Lucketti. The duo inherit a side sitting second from the bottom of the second-tier standings, having collected just four points from their first eight fixtures. Despite the club’s struggles, the appointment represents a significant homecoming for Alexander, who forged a legendary playing career in Lancashire.
A Deep History at Deepdale
During his playing days, Alexander made 400 total appearances for the Lilywhites. This total included 372 league outings across two separate stints between 1998 and 2008. He also briefly served as co-caretaker manager alongside David Unsworth during the 2011-12 season following the departure of Phil Brown.
“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,” Alexander told the club website.
His familiarity with the area, the supporters, and the club’s ambitions played a vital role in his decision to leave Valley Parade, where he enjoyed a successful spell in League One.
Departure from Bradford City
Alexander leaves Bradford City while the Yorkshire club sits atop the League One table. They won five of their opening seven fixtures of the 2026-27 season under his watch. Appointed in November 2023 when the Bantams were 16th in League Two, he led them to promotion in his first full campaign. He then secured a fourth-place finish with a play-off appearance in 2025-26.
Bradford confirmed they reluctantly allowed the former Scotland international to speak with the Championship club after a formal approach was made. Chief executive Ryan Sparks praised the outgoing manager’s contributions:
“They leave Bradford City in a much stronger position than the one they inherited, with firmer foundations in place for the club to continue moving forward. They should be immensely proud of what they have achieved here.”
Bradford reportedly received around £500,000 in compensation. Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle have stepped in to oversee training while the club searches for a successor.
Immediate Challenges at Preston
Alexander’s primary task at Deepdale will be tightening a leaky defense. While his Bradford side conceded only four league goals prior to his departure, Preston have shipped 15 goals in their opening eight league matches.
The two-week international break provides Alexander and Lucketti valuable time on the training pitches at Euxton to evaluate the squad. His first game in charge will be a home fixture against Millwall on October 10, which also marks his birthday.
Managerial Career Overview
- Fleetwood Town: Achieved managerial success and promotion early in his career.
- Scunthorpe United: Contended near the top of League One.
- Salford City: Secured promotions and stability.
- Motherwell: Managed in the Scottish Premiership.
- MK Dons: Brief managerial tenure in the EFL.
- Bradford City: Won promotion from League Two and reached the League One play-offs.
- Preston North End: Appointed Championship manager in September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Graham Alexander appointed Preston manager?
Graham Alexander was officially appointed as Preston North End manager on September 25, 2026.
Who did Graham Alexander replace at Preston?
He replaced Paul Heckingbottom, who was sacked after Preston lost six of their opening seven Championship matches of the season.
Who is Graham Alexander’s assistant manager?
Chris Lucketti serves as his assistant coach, continuing a partnership that successfully ran at Bradford City and past clubs.
What was Graham Alexander’s record at Bradford City?
Alexander managed 158 games for Bradford City, winning 79 matches, securing promotion from League Two, and leading them to the League One play-offs in 2025-26.
When is Graham Alexander’s first game in charge?
His first match as permanent Preston manager will be at home against Millwall on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
