An update has surfaced on when Bradford City will identify Graham Alexander’s long-term replacement at Valley Parade, as the 54-year-old is likely to join Championship side Preston North End.

According to local publications the Telegraph and Argus, a decision may not be made until Saturday afternoon, when the Bantams face Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

City have had a strong start to the League One season, remaining top of the table throughout the weekend despite having their originally scheduled Yorkshire derby with Barnsley postponed due to international call-ups.

However, the first week of international action has coincided with developments in the third tier, with the West Yorkshire outfit set to become the victims of their own recent success, as Alexander’s return to Deepdale, this time as a manager, is set to be confirmed on Monday, September 28.

It remains to be seen who will eventually take over in the hotseat in BD8 for the remainder of the current season and beyond, despite initial speculation, but it is becoming clearer when German owner Stefan Rupp will make a decision.

When Bradford City could announce Graham Alexander’s successor, as Preston decision nears

Indeed, it was first reported last week that Bradford had given the Lilywhites permission to approach Alexander about becoming the latest man in the Deepdale hotseat, after Paul Heckingbottom was fired by the Lancashire club on September 13th following an initial winless start to the Championship season.

It has long been believed that Alexander, who made 410 appearances for North End over two spells as a player, would make his latest management change, with confirmation coming on Monday.

Graham Alexander’s management record at Bradford City.

Games

158

Wins 80

Draws

30

Defeats: 48 Win percentage:

51%

According to the Telegraph and Argus, Alexander and Chris Lucketti will transfer over the Pennines after a £500,000 compensation package was agreed upon, while Mark Trueman will manage matters ahead of Saturday’s game against Reading, who are presently eighth in League One.

The 38-year-old has previously served as temporary manager of the Bantams four times between 2020 and 2023, and he is presently assisted by goalkeeping coach Colin Doyle.

Bradford City are considering a deal for Paul Heckingbottom as Graham Alexander prepares to leave.

With Alexander expected to be Heckingbottom’s immediate replacement at Deepdale, there appears to be a great deal of irony in this managerial tale, as the former Bantams defender has apparently been identified as a prospective contender to take over at Valley Parade.

Heckingbottom, 49, played 104 games for City and might be joined at his former club by one of their biggest cult heroes, Stuart McCall, provided a contract is reached.

However, it has been stated that Bradford has also considered other names on their shortlist, some of which have already been ruled out.

The Barnsley native has worked at all three levels of English football, and in 2016, he helped his local team win promotion from League One via the play-offs, as well as triumph in the EFL Trophy.

Bradford City will try to continue their momentum amid managerial instability.

Alexander won 80 of his 150 matches in charge in West Yorkshire, helping Bradford end a six-year exile from the third tier by finishing third in League Two in 2024/25, despite missing out on consecutive promotions last season after losing to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals.

A return to Preston will also be his first experience in the Championship as a manager, something few could complain about following a fine record in League One and League Two, as well as in Scotland, over the years.

Bradford, on the other hand, has a good mix of quality and experience in their squad, and fans will be hoping that whomever takes over for Alexander can continue the club’s upward trend towards the Championship after 22 years outside the second tier.