Bradford City urged to consider Plymouth Argyle approach for 'progressive' Tom Cleverley | OneFootball

Bradford City need to replace Graham Alexander after joining Preston, with Tom Cleverley and Paul Heckingbottom among the early favourites...

Bradford City are in search of a new manager after Graham Alexander joined Championship side Preston North End, with Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley one of the names in the frame.

The job is not an unattractive one, with Bradford City sat top of League One. In such a strong position, Bradford will be keen to source a new manager as quickly as possible.

In an ironic twist, Paul Heckingbottom could join Bradford from Preston, having been sacked recently to make way for Graham Alexander. He is, however, not the only candidate after Preston agreed terms with Bradford and Preston to pinch Alexander.

The Bradford City verdict on Tom Cleverley replacing Graham Alexander

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According to The Telepgraph and Argus, the odds have been slashed on Tom Cleverley potentially making the move from Plymouth to West Yorkshire.

Cleverley was raised in Bradford prior to joining the Manchester United academy, with talk on social media among Plymouth fans being that the 37-year-old could well be on his way to Bradford.

FLW's Bradford City fan pundit Boris Thomson was asked how happy he would be if it is true. We asked if he would welcome Cleverley, especially from a promotion rival, or if he would still prefer somebody like Heckingbottom instead.

Boris told FLW: "Tom Cleverley would be more of a progressive decision, I'd think for us, rather than Heckingbottom.

"I think Heckingbottom is so deep into his managerial career that he's less progressive.

"It seems like less of a progressive option than Cleverley would be.

"He's fairly young still. He's not that far off from when he was still playing.

"I definitely think it would be a decision more welcomed by our fans.

"Yeah, of the two, it's the one I'd go for."

Graham Alexander has left a huge hole at Bradford City

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Alexander's departure is a huge blow for Bradford, particularly given everything he had built at Valley Parade. The Bantams had returned to the third tier with serious ambition, reached the play-offs last season and then started this campaign at the top of League One, suggesting they could be serious promotion contenders again.

Alexander had also developed a strong connection with supporters and established an impressive record during his time in charge. Losing him after such a promising start is therefore difficult to take, regardless of who replaces him. However, the move is entirely understandable from Alexander's perspective.

Preston are a Championship club and they are the side where Alexander is regarded as a legend, and the opportunity to return to Deepdale and manage a club so closely connected to his playing career is an obvious pull.

Sourcing a replacement should not be difficult when Bradford are where they are in the league, while also having built one of the most physically impressive sides in the division from back to front. There is plenty to work with for the manager taking the job on from Alexander.

Tom Cleverley could be tempted to move to Bradford City

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For Cleverley, Bradford could offer an opportunity that is difficult to ignore, particularly given his personal connection to the area after being raised there. The former Man United midfielder has only spent just over a season managing in League One with Plymouth, and there is no obvious reason for him to abandon a strong squad with promotion ambitions.

However, Bradford can offer a similarly attractive challenge. The Bantams are already top of the division and have built genuine momentum in League One under Alexander since promotion, meaning Cleverley would not necessarily be taking a step down by moving to Valley Parade.

Plymouth should be among the promotion contenders again, but Bradford are in exactly the same position — potentially giving Cleverley the chance to combine a significant managerial opportunity with a return closer to home. If offered the role with Bradford, it could be a no-brainer for the 37-year-old.