Graham Alexander unconcerned with Preston North End takeover speculation

Graham Alexander says he did not discuss a possible takeover of Preston North End during his negotiations to become the club’s new first team manager.

Speculation has been growing around a potential takeover at Deepdale throughout 2026, with the latest update on any progress coming in a statement from Preston chairman Ian Penrose on the eve of the new Championship season on August 14.

Penrose said 'negotiations' with 'parties' were ongoing and that "offers to buy PNE on terms that are acceptable to the Hemmings family" had been made.

It was also stressed that North End would be unable to provide a 'running commentary' of the process due to the complexity of such deals. There has been no further update from the club in the weeks since.

"My only focus right now is to create a winning team and that's all I do.”

When asked by the Lancashire Post if the possibility of a takeover came up in his talks to replace Paul Heckingbottom in the hot seat, Alexander made it clear his focus lies on the pitch and the speculation is of little concern to him.

"No, no, no, didn't talk about it. We just talked about the job, what I would bring to it. What I've done in the past," he said in his first press conference since being announced as the new manager on September 28.

“When was that [last statement]? August 14th? I was Bradford City manager then, so I have no idea what that said in that statement.

“I trust the people I've spoke to. I always have to show faith in them. When I have conversations with people, I have faith and trust in my players, my staff members and the people above me at all clubs.

He continued: "And there's no concerns from my side about what this club is, and what it's gonna be.

"My only focus right now is to create a winning team and that's all I do.”

Ian Penrose statement on takeover talks

Penrose's update on where the club stood in the takeover proceedings read: “I can confirm that we are in negotiations with parties who have made offers to buy PNE on terms that are acceptable to the Hemmings family.

"Whilst we would like to be able to provide a running commentary and more details for our fans, for legal and regulatory reasons, we are prevented from doing so.

“The sale of a football club is a lengthy and complex process, involving legal, financial and commercial due diligence, and the need for the buyer to satisfy regulatory obligations and submissions, including a funded two-year business plan.

"We have seen this week with events at Derby County that such a process is not straightforward."