Alexander on injury updates and talks with Leigh
Cook has 'hurdles' still to get over - Alexander
- Published
Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has been speaking to the press ahead of the side's League One match against Northampton Town on Saturday (15:00 BST).
Here are the main talking points:
Alexander revealed forward Andy Cook is back in full training with the group, but on a "one day on, one day off" basis. They remain cautious about the 34-year-old's return, who hasn't featured since New Year's Day when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury to his left knee. The club are not putting a timescale on when he will be back available.
Midfielders Alex Pattison (Achilles) and Clarke Oduor (concussion) are back in full training after missing Saturday's opening day win against Wycombe, along with defender Ciaran Kelly (groin).
Defender Aden Baldwin is back from suspension following his red card at Doncaster Rovers in the penultimate game of last season. The offence was not violent conduct, so the 28-year-old has served a two-match suspension.
After Tommy Leigh's impressive showing in central midfield against Wycombe, Alexander spoke of a frank conversation he had with the 25-year-old at the end of last season. In that conversation, Alexander and Leigh discussed where the player needed to improve and what specific position he would play moving forward. Centre midfield was the agreed position.
Alexander praised how receptive the club's new signings have been to instruction and feels there's a growing trust within the group. So far, the club have made nine additions during the summer window.
Listen to Alexander's full pre-match press conference and more on BBC Sounds.
