Bradford City appoint former MK Dons boss Graham Alexander

The 52-year-old, who was sacked by City’s League Two rivals MK Dons three weeks ago, arrives at Valley Parade on a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Former Bury boss Chris Lucketti, who has worked alongside Alexander at all of his previous clubs, has been appointed as City’s new assistant manager. 

Alexander boasts a wealth of experience from similar managerial positions across the EFL - at MK Dons, Salford City, Scunthorpe United and Fleetwood Town - and in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell. 

He has two promotions on his CV, with Fleetwood and Salford, while he also reached the EFL Trophy final with the latter.

Graham Alexander achieved great things at former club Salford City. (Image: PA.)

As a player, Alexander amassed over 1,000 professional appearances across all four professional tiers of the English game, becoming only the second outfield player in English football history to have done so at the time. 

He helped Burnley win promotion to the Premier League in 2009, while he was capped 40 times by Scotland.

On joining the Bantams, Alexander said: “It is really good to be here. I am very excited about the role, the potential of the team and the club. 

“Me and Chris have been here quite a few times as a management duo competing against Bradford City, but it will be good to be on the right side now. 

“When the stadium is full and the crowd is behind the team, it is a really difficult venue to come and play at, so we have to make it a tough place for everyone else to visit.

“Joining a club, you have to look at the short-term improvements you can make, but also look at the potential of what you can do. Here, for me, that scope is endless.

“I am really excited for the weekend. You will not see me sat down in the dugout too much, but we know what this venue is like for a game of football, and we are looking forward to getting our supporters behind this team and bringing them excitement.”

City’s chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “After a lengthy period of recruitment where we have been able to carefully consider and complete vital due diligence on candidates, we are absolutely thrilled to have agreed terms with, and appointed, Graham as our new men’s first-team manager. 

Ryan Sparks (centre) flanked by Graham Alexander and Chris Lucketti at Valley Parade. (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

“I would like to thank Kevin McDonald, Mark Trueman and Matt Derbyshire for stepping up beyond the call of duty and allowing the club much-needed time to interview and assess several candidates. 

“Graham’s record speaks for itself. He has managed successfully in three English divisions, and of course in the Scottish Premiership. 

“Both him and his assistant Chris Lucketti impressed us greatly during the interview process, and it is clear we have a shared passion for Bradford City and success. The level of detail Graham provided throughout the process only confirmed his desire to take us forward this season and beyond. 

“Graham is someone who has experienced many different challenges throughout his career, facing them all admirably and consistently improving several clubs’ positions. 

“I would like to wish both him and Chris a warm welcome to our football club, and the very best of luck.”

Alexander will take charge of his first training session at the club’s Woodhouse Grove base tomorrow morning, before being unveiled to the media in the afternoon.