Bradford City captain Antoni Sarcevic expressed confidence that his team can maintain its strong position in League One despite the departure of manager Graham Alexander. Alexander, 54, left the League One leaders to rejoin his former club, Preston North End, where he previously held a managerial role.

Sarcevic described the manager’s exit as a "kick in the teeth," acknowledging the disappointment shared within the squad. He noted the club’s positive start to the season and said players were understandably upset by the change. “Preston haven’t started the season so well and they’ve taken him off us, but the gaffer goes with my best wishes because he’s earned himself a job he’s obviously very fond of,” Sarcevic added.

Following Alexander’s departure, the Bantams have begun the search for a new head coach. Gary Rowett is reported to be among the leading candidates, after Paul Heckingbottom, a former manager at Preston, declined consideration for the role.

In a team meeting ahead of their upcoming League One fixture against Reading, Sarcevic emphasized the need for focus and resilience. “Our focus is now on Reading and making sure we go in with the right mindset and keep doing what we’ve been doing,” he said.

Bradford currently leads the League One standings, a position built on a strong run under Alexander’s management. The club’s ability to sustain its form as it adjusts to the managerial change will be closely watched in the coming weeks.