Fresh Bradford City manager update emerges as Leam Richardson news revealed | OneFootball

Reading boss, Leam Richardson is seemingly not on Bradford City's managerial radar, as they search for Graham Alexander's successor.

Bradford City are reportedly not pursuing a move for Reading boss, Leam Richardson according to a recent revelation from BBC Sport's West Yorkshire sports reporter, Jamie Raynor.

Richardson was thought to be under consideration for the managerial vacancy at Valley Parade, but Raynor's recent update has downplayed those links.

In the same update, Raynor stated that Bradford are remaining patient with the process, and are fully backing caretaker boss, Mark Trueman.

The Bantams are in the market to find Graham Alexander's replacement, after the long-serving manager departed in favour of a move to Championship side, Preston North End.

Bradford are currently top of the League One table, and will know they're in for a tough test against a Reading side that have the best home record in the third-tier so far this term.

Richardson plays down Bradford links

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Richardson has also spoken out about interest in his services from the Bantams, and revealed that he's certain he'll be in charge of Reading's clash with Bradford this afternoon.

The Royals boss also praised his Reading squad, and revealed the likely reason why he's been linked with the vacancy with the League One leaders.

"I'm certain that I'll be in the Reading dugout this weekend," he told BBC Radio Berkshire. It's always really pleasant when you see interest from other teams around the country.

"It means the players are doing a fantastic job, I'm sure there's lots of other managers in the running for the job. I think the talk comes from the common sense of them being a northern team and that I've worked with a lot of the players that are there."

Richardson's managerial record as a permanent manager is listed in the table below, and he's got plenty of EFL experience under his belt, which could have been useful for the Bantams.

Recent update will be a blow for the Bantams

Richardson came under pressure from the Reading fanbase towards the end of last season, as their push for a top-six finish came to a frustrating end after a poor run of results.

The Royals boss has been in charge of the Berkshire-based club since October 2025, and he'll be hoping that he can take the Royals back into the Championship.

Reading were relegated into League One in the 2022/23 season, and the club's supporters will be expecting a serious push for promotion this term.

It's a blow for Bradford not to get a manager of Richardson's quality in their dugout, as he's shown in the past that he can win promotion at this level, having won the League One title with Wigan Athletic back in 2022.

Who are the other candidates to take the Bradford job?

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It's been claimed by journalist Alan Nixon that former Leicester City boss, Gary Rowett is in the running to take charge of Bradford City as Alexander's replacement, although it remains to be seen as to how far along the Bantams are with any potential negotiations.

Former Wycombe Wanderers manager, Michael Duff is another potential candidate for the job at Valley Parade, with the former Chairboys boss being out of work since being relieved of his duties at Wycombe earlier this season.