Alexander returns to Deepdale for first time as manager
Graham Alexander insists there will be no sentiment when his Fleetwood Town side travel to Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.Alexander enjoyed 10 seasons at Deepdale as a player and was caretaker boss for a short period in 2011 before Graham Westley’s appointment.
The manager won’t be the only member of the group to return to PR1 this weekend though, with a number of former North End players and management currently at Highbury.
And speaking ahead of the first competitive clash between the two sides, Alexander said:
“We’re in for a tough game against a very big club, but we’ll be going there looking to get a positive result because we believe we can compete against anyone in this division.
“We have to make sure we go there best prepared as we can be after two tough games this week already.
“There’s not a lot of sentiment in football, especially come Saturday at 3pm. We’re all professionals and we’re all competitive people.
“We’ve all got great memories of our time there but the game is about the team and the players. The team’s performance is what we’re going to concentrate on and trying to get a result for the fans.
“Our personal histories are irrelevant for our team and all we’ve got to do is focus on what makes our team play well. If we play well then we give ourselves a good chance of getting a result.
“It’s great that we’re taking a good number there as it’s only down the road from Fleetwood. It’ll be the first competitive fixture between the two clubs and we’re looking forward to it.
“Going there as the opposition is something I’ve experienced before with Burnley, but going there as the opposing manager is something different.”