Graham Alexander reunited with Antoni Sarcevic at Bantams

The Bantams boss is thrilled to be finally reunited with the midfielder after missing out in previous attempts to get him at other clubs.

Sarcevic clinched the first of his five promotions from the fourth tier with Alexander at Fleetwood – and the manager senses his will-to-win has not changed.

“I signed him from Chester for Fleetwood in my first summer,” said the City chief.

“He was our top scorer that season when we won promotion and scored the winning goal at Wembley.

“We went into League One and finished in the top 10. He was only 22 at the time but I made him vice-captain.

“He was a really good player first and foremost but I liked his will-to-win and all-in attitude.

“He wasn’t just a match-day player, he was like that in training. He’d have a ‘moan up’ every now and then about decisions in training matches because he just wanted to win.”

Alexander and long-time assistant Chris Lucketti maintained contact with Sarcevic over the years – with unsuccessful attempts to sign him again until the opportunity arose for City.

“My teams have played against him a few times and I have spoke to him previously about re-joining the club I was at but could never really get it done.

“But we met up when there was a pause in his negotiation in Stockport. We had a really good chat and made it happen this time.

“It was quick and easy. Was I surprised? Yes and no really because I know what Sarce is like.

“Once he makes his mind up and commits to it, that’s it and it’s happening.

“I’ve had a couple of setbacks in the past with trying to bring him back on board. So maybe I was just holding back a little bit mentally.

“But it was done really quickly. He said that as soon as he spoke to us, that was it in his head.

“He’s an assertive character who knows what he wants. Once he made up his mind, there was no need to delay.”

Graham Alexander with the play-off trophy after Fleetwood's win (Image: PA)

Sarcevic comes to Valley Parade with the reputation as the promotion specialist of League Two.

His championship-winning success last season with Stockport followed promotions from the same level at Plymouth twice and Bolton.

Alexander added: “He’s a great professional and his record speaks for itself.

“He will be the first to admit it’s never down to one man. All those clubs will have had ambitions to be successful and they saw in Sarce a player that can help them do that.

“He’s certainly contributed to all those clubs gaining promotion.

“I see no difference in him. I’ve kept in touch as has Chris over the years as well.

“That spark is still there, without a shadow of a doubt.

“He’s in great shape, he knows how to win and I think he’s a great addition for us.

“I sensed a real excitement from him about joining us.

“The supporters and the other lads will see someone completely deserving to help us be successful.”