Preston North End have appointed Graham Alexander as their new manager, bringing the former Deepdale player back to the club after his departure from Bradford City.
The 54-year-old succeeds Paul Heckingbottom, who was dismissed after Preston lost six of their opening seven Championship matches this season. North End currently sit second bottom of the table with four points from eight games.
Alexander has strong ties to Preston, having made 372 league appearances across two spells with the club during his playing career. He also briefly took charge on a caretaker basis during the 2011-12 season.
He will be joined by assistant manager Chris Lucketti, another former Preston player and long-time member of Alexander’s coaching staff.
Alexander leaves Bradford with the club top of League One after seven matches. Bradford had confirmed last week that they had allowed him to speak with Preston after the Championship side made an approach.
The former Scotland international took charge at Valley Parade in November 2023 and guided Bradford to promotion from League Two during his first full season. His side then finished fourth in League One in 2025-26 before losing to Bolton Wanderers in the play-offs.
Bradford started the current campaign strongly, winning five of their opening seven league games. The club said Alexander and Lucketti had left the team in a stronger position, with improved foundations for future progress.
Alexander has previously managed Fleetwood Town, Scunthorpe United, Salford City, Motherwell and MK Dons, giving him extensive experience across the English and Scottish leagues.
His return to Preston comes at a difficult stage of the Championship season, with the club already under pressure to move away from the relegation places.
Alexander’s first match as permanent Preston manager is scheduled to be at home against Millwall on Saturday, 10 October.