Bradford City manager Graham Alexander only needed a week’s training to stamp his mark, says defender Matty Platt

Under the guidance of manager Graham Alexander, Bradford City has experienced a significant upturn in form, securing five consecutive victories leading up to the upcoming Yorkshire derby against Doncaster Rovers on Friday. According to centre-back Matty Platt, the turning point occurred during Alexander’s second game in charge.

Alexander, appointed after an extended search for Mark Hughes’ replacement, initially faced a defeat. In the following match against Notts County, the team found themselves 4-0 down at halftime on Sky Sports. Despite being unable to reverse the scoreline, the Bantams scored twice and created additional chances. Since that challenging moment, Bradford City has gone on to win every subsequent match.

Platt emphasized the importance of halftime reflection, noting that the primary objective was to win the second half. The team’s performance, even in defeat, instilled a sense of belief and marked a turning point in their form. Platt believes that this particular game was pivotal, serving as the catalyst for their impressive winning streak.

With Graham Alexander boasting nearly 400 games of managerial experience in the Football League, Platt acknowledged the manager’s ability to convey his ideas quickly. He mentioned that, as professional footballers with diverse experiences, the squad could readily relate to Alexander’s managerial style. The adaptation to the manager’s tactics was swift, taking approximately a week or two of training.

While acknowledging the challenges of implementing changes during the season compared to an extensive preseason, Platt highlighted the team’s successful adaptation to Alexander’s preferred style of play. Despite the inherent difficulties during the season, the results reflect the players’ understanding and execution of the manager’s strategies, leading to their impressive run of form.