Bradford City games are offering up plenty of joy but not bucketfuls of entertainment. In our latest podcast, Alex Scott, Tim Penfold and Jason McKeown dig into City’s remarkable defensive numbers, debate whether the attack is yet to click, discuss the speculation around Graham Alexander’s future, react to a less-than-glamorous cup draw against Peterborough, and look ahead to a trip to the ‘exciting’ Luton Town.
Categories: Podcast
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Couldn’t agree more than with Tim’s view on Alexander. If Alexander was 45 and not 55 I think there would be a huge level of interest in him but he’s unfashionable due to his age, style of play and as far as I can see a misconception over his previous record. I also think a lot of fans look at Bradford City and think – ‘of course he should be competing for the League 1 playoffs with a club like that’ without fully understanding how impressive it is.
I’ve found myself getting annoyed on his behalf and, while I’m delighted that Preston fans don’t seem interested in him, I can’t help but think it’s short sightedness.
A quick review of his management career, I believe I’m right in suggesting the following:
1. Fleetwood – promotion, 10th place finish in the division above. Left early following season
2. Scunthorpe finished 5th left the following season when still 5th after 37 games. Relegated the season after he had left them in 5th.
3. Salford – promoted, EFL Trophy final, sacked when unbeaten and 5th. Neville called it a mistake, and I would be confident in saying they wouldn’t be a League 2 side now had they given him the backing other managers have had and recruited with him.
4. Motherwell finished 5th a position they didn’t. achieve again until last season
5. MK Dons – wrong place, wrong time. Sacked after only 16 games. In his first month won manager of the month
6. Bradford City – took a side from 19th in League 2 to automatic promotion the following season. Finished 4th in the league above the following season. Currently 3rd.
While there are obviously circumstances behind the following trajectory of all those clubs, with the exception of MK Dons none are in a better position than when he left.
In fact, on reflection, perhaps he isn’t right for Preston, because he doesn’t do relegation battles he’s a winner.