“I keep myself on my toes and don’t take anything for granted.” I’m grateful for what we have and for the opportunity to come into a great job every day. “From time to time, it’s nice to know that those around you think you’re good at your job. “That’s what the contract states.

I believe it validates the fact that the club’s leadership believes we can move forward again. “I know I’ve improved as a manager as a result of the challenge and pressure at Bradford, as well as the ideas I had when I first started about changing how I manage people.”

I wanted to do things differently. The personal success I’ve had validates my decision to stick with the changes I’ve made, not only in how I manage, but also in how we’ve attempted to change things at Bradford. “It feels good, but I’m not going to sit back and relax with anything.

It is not my nature. “I can have a one-day contract, and you’ll get the same from me.

I’d be disappointing myself and the people who helped me get here if I didn’t approach each day with full dedication.”

Graham Alexander felt the support after the defeat at Doncaster (Image: PA)

Contract negotiations between CEO Ryan Sparks and the management team began prior to the end of last season and the incredible finish against Fleetwood. “It was based on what we’d demonstrated we could do with the club.

“It just gives me more confidence knowing that we have people behind us who want the best for us as individuals and the club. “I want to be a part of a club that always looks out for each other and supports each other through thick and thin, and that’s how I feel right now.

“Professional sport requires a certain level of self-confidence. Sometimes you have dark days and you might not have that support, so you have to remind yourself that you’re good at it.

“But football is a team sport. We all need that guy next to us, that person on our shoulder who is there for us during difficult times.

“Regardless of the contract, I’ve felt this support many times over the last 20 months after real dark moments.” Alexander will always remember Sparks’ support after a four-match losing streak in March 2024, which culminated in a defeat at Harrogate when angry fans turned on the City hierarchy.

There were also times in the tense run-up last season when the promotion push was shaky. “I’ve talked about the Harrogate game and that month,” Alexander added. “That’s when I knew I was supported.

“I had support on Monday following the Swindon game. The players remained motivated. “I believe we’ve established a culture and a feeling that is not limited to good times. “After those days and the Doncaster game, I realised how the squad, this staff, and the people above me felt.

“It’s easy to feel good following the Fleetwood game. After those other challenges, you get down to the real nitty-gritty of what we’ve actually built as a group of people.

“The contract gives us confidence that we’re almost ready to restart this project, but only a few steps forward. When you come in on day one, you’re not thinking about the next month but this whole season.”

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