Graham Alexander would welcome FA Cup run with Bradford City

The Bantams have not got past the first round since 2020 – but were given a good opportunity to put that right with a home tie against non-league Aldershot in last night’s draw at Valley Parade.

It will be the third time in nine seasons that they have kicked off the competition against the Shots, who currently sit 35 places below them in the National League.

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The increased prize money for the early rounds this year means the first-round winners will pocket £45,000 – with £15,000 for the beaten side.

But Alexander just wants to build that winning feeling and is happy to take on the extra workload from making cup progress.

“I’m not one for prioritising,” he said. “If you win games, it’s good to keep the momentum.

“You don’t win a game, it’s good to get out there and try and put it right.

“Obviously if you’re stretched squad-wise, you might feel different. A week ago we were quite happy we didn’t have a midweek game because we were a little bit down on players.

“But if we’ve got 80-90 per cent of our squad ready, I would always take on the games and try and win.

“Winning is an amazing feeling. It’s really energising for everybody.

“It keeps you all upbeat and positive. Every time we take to that pitch we want to win games.

“I don’t really differentiate between the competitions. It’s too important to represent yourself, the team and the supporters in the best way.

“They aren’t just words. We take the responsibility seriously and we prepare for every game in the same way.”

City lost 2-1 to League One Wycombe in the first round last season (Image: Thomas Gadd)

City are well placed to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, which can also generate cash.

But the FA Cup offers potential big rewards by getting over the first couple of hurdles.

The prize money jumps to £75,000 in the second round and £115,000 for the third – when the top two divisions come in.

Alexander, who has never got past round two as a manager, added: “I’m well aware of how important the financial benefit is to any football club.

“Ryan (Sparks), Stefan (Rupp) and David (Sharpe) understand our mentality is to try and win any game anyway.

“They’ve seen that in our time here. We don’t take anything lightly and always want to compete at our best level.

“I’ll leave the financial side of it to the financial people. I just love the sport and want to win for winning’s sake.

“I don’t think there’s any negative from winning games of football.”

But FA Cup success would certainly boost the kitty in time for the January transfer window.

“It’s important for us like a lot of clubs at this level,” said Alexander.

“I know there are certain exceptions that have different revenue streams. But we’ve got to generate our funds as much as possible.

“We get great support from Stefan but we do need to generate it through transfer fees or supporters coming to the games and obviously prize money as well.

“I think it’s a vital lifeline and we understand that.

“But our priority is always trying to win. If there was no financial gain at all, we’d still be at the same level of competitiveness.”

Meanwhile, Neill Byrne is expected back in training either today or tomorrow after being ill over the weekend.