Ian Penrose explains what made Graham Alexander the 'standout candidate' for the Preston North End job
Graham Alexander is the new Preston North End manager after leaving Bradford City.
Ian Penrose has given a glowing verdict on Graham Alexander and named his ‘desire and determination’ to finally get Preston North End to the Premier League as a key factor in the club’s decision to hire him.
After 15 days without a man in the hot seat following Paul Heckingbottom’s departure, Alexander, 54, was hired as his replacement on September 28 from Bradford City.
Alexander played 421 times for North End over two stints in his illustrious career and has now returned to Deepdale for a third time to try and guide them away from the relegation zone and hopefully far beyond it.
Preston chairman Penrose has explained that Alexander’s promotion pedigree, having guided three different clubs in Bradford, Fleetwood Town and Salford City to higher divisions, and his aim to achieve the same with the Lilywhites was what stood out during the interview process, as well as his long-established close bond with the club.
Ian Penrose explains why PNE hired Graham Alexander
Penrose said: “We are delighted to appoint Graham as our new manager following a detailed and extensive recruitment process.
“What shone through in our meeting was Graham’s absolute desire and determination to return Preston to the top division of English football, driven by his deep affection for the club.
“This is undoubtedly the start of an exciting new era for PNE, one built on positivity, desire, togetherness, and belief.”
Preston have been out of the top flight since they were relegated in 1961.
Alexander has been in management for 14 years after leaving his role in Preston’s academy following retirement and taking over at Fleetwood Town in 2012. He has since taken charge of 606 games across six clubs, also having spells at Scunthorpe United, Salford City, Motherwell, MK Dons and Bradford City.
That wealth of experience on top of a playing career that lasted longer than the vast majority of players and tipped over 1,000 games, was also massively appealing to PNE.
“His lengthy playing career brings invaluable knowledge of the Championship, Premier League and International football,” Penrose added.
“Combined with his in-depth managerial experience, most recently leading Bradford City to promotion and now top of League One he was the standout candidate.”
Chris Lucketti joins Alexander at Deepdale
Alexander has brought his long-term assistant, and fellow former North End star, Chris Lucketti with him across the Pennines, though the rest of his backroom staff has not yet been announced.
Alexander now has plenty of time to prepare for his first game in charge, though, as Preston aren’t back in action until they take on Millwall at home on October 10.
He leaves Bradford with the Yorkshire side flying high at the top of League One, having won five of their seven opening fixtures, and through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Preston, meanwhile, are just two places above Bradford in 23rd place in the Championship, with just one victory and one draw so far after eight games.