We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Bradford City following the departure of Graham Alexander to Preston North End.
Alexander guided the club to promotion from League Two during the 2024/25 campaign, before reaching the League One play-offs and eventually coming unstuck against Bolton Wanderers last season.
Bradford are currently top of the League One table but Alexander has decided to take up the opportunity to join Championship strugglers Preston, where he made over 400 appearances as a player.
Here are our top five candidates to be the next Bradford manager.
Next Bradford Manager Contenders
Paul Heckingbottom
Paul Heckingbottom is out of work after he was recently relieved of his duties at Preston North End.
Heckingbottom paid the price for a poor start to the season after losing six of the first seven Championship fixtures.
The former Sheffield United boss has two promotions on his CV and a move to Bradford would make sense for both parties.
Tom Cleverley
Former Watford boss Tom Cleverley has helped Plymouth Argyle make some considerable progress in recent times.
After a difficult start to last season, Cleverley almost guided the Pilgrims into the League One play-offs.
Plymouth have also made a good start to the new campaign and Cleverley's name has been mentioned as a potential contender to be the next Bradford manager.
Dave Challinor
Former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor has already been linked with numerous jobs since leaving Edgeley Park.
Challinor left Stockport following last season's League One play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers and he is considering his next move.
The 50-year-old boasts a fantastic record of securing a play-off finish or better in each of his 15 full seasons as a manager.
Stuart McCall
Stuart McCall was recently Heckingbottom's assistant at Preston and he followed the manager out of the door earlier this month.
McCall has managed Bradford three times in the past and he may want another crack at being the main man in the dugout.
With over 400 appearances for Bradford across two separate spells during his playing career, McCall remains a popular figure at Valley Parade.
Conor Hourihane
Leicester City assistant manager Conor Hourihane is undoubtedly the least experienced option on the list.
The former Barnsley boss joined Russell Martin's backroom staff in the summer but the lure of a quick return to management would be tempting.
Bradford would be a big step for Hourihane if the club opts for a young manager with potential.
