Graham Alexander might not have been part of the most spectacular happenings in football, but his life as a player and now manager is more than exciting reading. He was the second outfield player in English football history to reach a 1000 games added up during a 24 year career with Scunthorpe United, Luton Town, Preston North End and Burnley.
He was well into his late 30’s when first experiencing the taste of Premier League football, representing Burnley for a season in the top flight back in 2009/10. He operated in midfield or at right back and a bit silently packing up 40 caps for Scotland, despite being born far from Tartan land, in Coventry, Midlands. His father is a Scot and Alexander never made it a secret that he supported his fathers country and had the ambition of playing for them. He played regularly at full international level from 2002 to 2009.
He flew the leagues in England, and experienced promotions and relegation. When leaving the trade of playing he moved straight into management. At the moment in charge of Salford City as he looks as if he will steer the club new and happy adventures as well.
Salford City might be most known for their owners, former Manchester United players Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. Little talk of the 1000 plus league game man and major share holder Peter Lim.
To see Graham Alexander leading this ship from a footballing point of view and the Singapore based business man Peter Lim being the head source of financial supply makes this look a strong foundation for a climb and higher expectations going into the future.
Graham Alexander has had his journey in League management before taking over at Salford, being in charge at Preston North End (caretaker), Fleetwood Town and Scunthorpe United. He led Fleetwood to promotion from League Two and Scunthorpe United into the play-off’s of League One. The potential look huge and his “teachers” in football are many, been playing under some great managers.
People like David Moyes, Craig Brown, Phil Brown, Lennie Lawrence, Owen Coyle, Bertie Vogts and Walter Smith all were managers of teams Alexander have played in. This is a wealth of experience that makes Graham Alexander a manager to count.