Bradford City face Graham Alexander blow as Preston move puts three replacements in focus

Bradford City fans may be facing the moment they feared most.

Preston North End have formally approached the Bantams for permission to speak to Graham Alexander about becoming their new manager following Paul Heckingbottom’s departure.

Alexander has quickly built an impressive reputation at Valley Parade. He guided Bradford back into League One, followed that up with a fourth-place finish last season and has taken them to the top of the table after seven games this campaign.

With Bradford looking like genuine promotion contenders again, losing their manager now would be a huge blow.

There is, however, one major reason why Preston’s interest could prove difficult for Bradford to fight.

Alexander has deep ties to Deepdale. The 54-year-old spent two spells with Preston as a player, making 421 appearances and eventually retiring at the club. That history could make the opportunity particularly difficult to turn down.

Bradford have already reluctantly allowed Alexander to speak with Preston, so the possibility of a departure is becoming increasingly real.

If Alexander does walk away, the Bantams will need to move quickly. Here are three managers who could enter the conversation.

Dave Challinor

Dave Challinor would immediately look like one of the most obvious names for Bradford to consider.

The 50-year-old has been without a club since leaving Stockport County after their League One play-off final defeat in May, but his work at Edgeley Park speaks for itself.

Challinor helped transform Stockport from a National League side into a team challenging at the top end of League One, coming agonisingly close to Championship promotion.

His teams have also shown tactical flexibility, while his frequent use of a back three makes him a particularly interesting potential replacement for Alexander.

For Bradford fans hoping for continuity rather than a complete change of direction, Challinor could be an intriguing option.

Paul Heckingbottom

If Alexander does end up replacing Heckingbottom at Preston, Bradford could potentially look in the opposite direction and consider the man leaving Deepdale.

Heckingbottom’s time at Preston may have reached its natural conclusion, but his Championship experience cannot simply be ignored.

The former Sheffield United boss had Preston involved in the play-off picture for much of last season before their challenge faded after the turn of the year.

A move to Bradford would represent a different challenge, but his experience of managing at a higher level could appeal to the Bantams.

Alan Sheehan

Alan Sheehan is another name Bradford could potentially explore.

The former Swansea City boss already has a connection with Bradford from his playing days and has been available since leaving Swansea last November.

Sheehan impressed during his spell as Swansea’s interim manager, particularly with the defensive organisation of his side.

That would certainly fit with the foundations Alexander has established at Valley Parade, where defensive solidity has played an important part in Bradford’s recent success.

His permanent spell at Swansea did not go according to plan, but his earlier work means he could still be worth considering if Bradford suddenly find themselves searching for a new manager.