Former Hibs could job swap with ex-Scotland star as return to management chance after sacking emerges
The former Leeds United, Sheffield United and Hibs boss was recently sacked by his latest club.
A former Hibs boss could be involved in an EFL job swap alongside former Scotland international Graham Alexander.
Championship side Preston North End recently pulled the plug on Paul Heckingbottom’s tenure at Deepdale following a poor start to the season. He had time at Barnsley and Leeds United down south before a difficult stint with Hibs in 2019. Stock was rebuilt with Sheffield United and Preston but he’s now seeking his next move.
That could come with Bradford City - but with a catch. Alexander got the Bantams up from League Two, and they finished fourth in League One last term, currently top of the third tier. He also has an extensive history with Preston after spending nine years of his playing career there with Scotland caps thrown in for good measure.
Who will become the next manager of Preston North End?
Bradford have confirmed that they are allowing him to speak with Preston over the vacancy while they could move for Heckingbottom. Transfer journalist Alan Nixon wrote on Patreon: “Bradford City have put Paul Heckingbottom on their wanted list - ahead of a possible boss swap.
“Hecky is available after leaving Preston and is liked by the Bantams who are losing Graham Alexander to North End. It would be a coup for the high flying League One outfit to land land Heckingbottom who has been working in the Championship and higher. And as an added bonus Hecky comes with Stuart McCall, the former Bradford City legend and a manager at the club twice in the past. Bradford are also looking at other candidates and some are already sidelined from the short list.”
A statement from Bradford on Alexander read: “Bradford City AFC can confirm we have been approached by Preston North End to speak to Graham Alexander regarding the Sky Bet Championship side’s managerial vacancy. Reluctantly, Bradford City has granted permission for Graham to speak to Preston North End. The club will be making no further comment at this time.
Preston said of Heckingbottom’s dismissal: “Preston North End Football Club have taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as First Team Football Manager. Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start of this current campaign have not been acceptable.
“Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none. As a result of this decision Stuart McCall has also left the Club. We similarly thank Stuart for his contribution over the last two years and wish him all the best for the future.”