Preston-linked manager responds to recent speculation | OneFootball

Graham Alexander has played down speculation linking him with the vacant Preston North End job, insisting his focus remains on Bradford City.

The Bradford boss has a long-standing connection with Preston having previously played for and managed the club.

And he admits it is no surprise to see his name mentioned following the departure of Paul Heckingbottom.

“I don’t think it’s the first time I’ve been linked with Preston North End because of my history there,” Alexander said.

“My relationship is well documented over many, many interviews for the last two decades on what happened with me at that particular club.”

Alexander believes the speculation is a reflection of Bradford’s recent success and says interest in managers and players is inevitable when a club is performing well.

“It’s a good thing,” he added. “It means you’ve got good players, you’ve got a good team.

“When you’re winning games, and you’re consistently winning games season in, season out, of course there’s going to be a spotlight and a profile on whoever’s impacted on those results.

“I think any speculation about any of us here is due to the fact that we’ve, as a club, done a lot of good things over a sustained period of time.”

The 54-year-old also insisted he is not looking too far ahead despite the uncertainty that comes with football management.

“I’m pretty consistent with how I do things, it’s the next opportunity, the next game,” he said. “I don’t look too far in the future.

“I’m at peace with what football management is.

“I know it could happen at any moment, but on the other side, it’s not on my mind either.”