Graham Alexander joined Bradford City AFC on November 6, 2023, signing a contract that runs until June 2026. The experienced football manager took charge of the League Two club with hopes of bringing his promotion expertise to Valley Parade.
Alexander’s appointment marked his return to the English Football League (EFL) following his previous stint in Scottish football with Motherwell.
Alexander’s managerial background
Born on October 10, 1971, in Coventry, England, Grahaam Alexander has built an impressive managerial resume over the years. With more than 450 games under his belt as a manager, he boasts a win rate of approximately 43% – a statistic that certainly caught Bradford City’s attention during their recruitment process.
Alexander began his managerial journey at Fleetwood Town in 2012, where he achieved his first major success. In 2014, he guided the Cod Army through the League Two play-offs to secure promotion to League One, establishing his reputation as a manager who could deliver results.
Success at previous clubs
Alexander’s track record of achieving promotions extends beyond his time at Fleetwood Town. At Salford City, he secured promotion to League Two in his first season with the club, further cementing his reputation as a promotion specialist. During his second season with Salford, Alexander led the team to the EFL Trophy Final, though his tenure was cut short when he was dismissed in October 2020.
His managerial career also includes spells at MK Dons and Scunthorpe United in the English leagues. At Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, Alexander demonstrated his ability to compete at a higher level, guiding the team to a fifth-place finish in the 2021/22 season. This impressive achievement qualified Motherwell for the Europa Conference League, adding European experience to Alexander’s coaching portfolio.
| Club | Years | Achievement |
|——|——-|————|
| Fleetwood Town | 2012-2015 | Promotion to League One (2014) |
| Scunthorpe United | 2016-2018 | League One play-offs |
| Salford City | 2018-2020 | Promotion to League Two, EFL Trophy Final |
| Motherwell | 2021-2022 | 5th in Scottish Premiership, Europa Conference League qualification |
| Bradford City | 2023-present | Current position |
Tactical approach and philosophy
Graham Alexander typically employs a 4-4-2 formation with his teams, favoring a structured and organized approach to the game. This tactical setup has served him well throughout his managerial career, particularly in the lower divisions of English football where organization and discipline can be key differentiators.
At Bradford City, Alexander works alongside his assistant Chris Lucketti, who was appointed at the same time. The pair have collaborated at previous clubs, developing a strong working relationship that Bradford City will hope translates into on-field success at Valley Parade.
Expectations at Bradford City
Bradford City’s decision to appoint Alexander reflects their ambition to climb the league ladder, With his proven track record of achieving promotions from League Two, the club clearly views Alexander as the right man to guide them back to League One and potentially beyond.
The length of Alexander’s contract – running until June 2026 – suggests Bradford City are taking a long-term approach to their development under his leadership. This extended timeframe gives Alexander the opportunity to implement his philosophy and build a team capable of sustained success, rather than seeking quick fixes.
For Bradford City supporters, Alexander’s appointment represents hope for a return to the higher echelons of English football, with his promotion expertise potentially being the catalyst for the club’s resurgence after several challenging seasons.