Graham Alexander jealous of Harrogate manager's time in role

Weaver is the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions with more than 15 years at the Wetherby Road helm. Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola is second on that list at just over eight.

Weaver was appointed in May 2009 when the team were still in the Conference North.

Alexander, who is six years older, was still playing at the time – and won promotion to the Premier League with Burnley at Wembley in the same week.

“I think it must be a brilliant feeling to be a manager in that scenario where you can really build a club, be ingrained in every part of it and see it in your image,” said the City chief.

Graham Alexander celebrates scoring for Burnley in the 2009 play-offs (Image: PA)

“It’s extremely rare to do in the modern game. If you look at my 12 years as a manager and I’ve had more clubs than I did in 24 as a player.

“I always consider myself to be a loyal person but in management that doesn’t really matter.

“I don’t think you can define your time at a football club. You have to work as quick as possible and in the best possible way to try and get success really quickly.

“Simon’s built a club up from a lower level into a stable Football League club and has done a fantastic job.

“I just sometimes wonder how good it must feel to have that longevity at a club and really see things through and be able to navigate a difficult period.

“All teams go through spells and cycles but not all of us get the opportunity to see it through that. Fair play to him.”

Weaver guided Harrogate into the EFL for the first time in their history in 2020. He has beaten the Bantams six times in the four seasons since.

Alexander can see why he remains so hungry after such a long time in the same job.

“Football’s a brilliant sport and there’s enough to motivate you to get out your bed every morning and go to work.

“I was at Preston North End for eight years and I was as motivated on my 400th game, my last in my first spell, as I was on the first to win and play well.

Simon Weaver roars in delight in Harrogate's 2022 win at Valley Parade (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“I personally wouldn’t see that as an issue. I’d love to find out one day – to get that sort of impact at a club would be fantastic.

“I think there are too many challenges and so many different ones. You work with different players season in, season out.

“I don’t know how many players Simon has managed in that period but that keeps you fresh and ready. You’re always learning about the job and your players.

“You are playing different clubs every season and things like that.

“I think he’s in an enviable position when you get that sort of time at a club.”