Bradford City: Graham Alexander sees long-standing record snatched away in recent Rangers developments | OneFootball

Defenders are typically rated for their ability to keep the ball out of their own net. However, some defenders also like to put the ball in the opposition's goal, including current Bradford City manager Graham Alexander.

The former Scottish international defender has played in every division and is regarded as a legend within the EFL system. He is renowned for his leadership on the pitch and his goal-scoring ability from the right-back position, often from the penalty spot or in a free-kick position.

Alexander had an illustrious playing career for the likes of Scunthorpe United, Luton Town, Preston North End and Burnley and established himself as the man you give the ball to from 12 yards when a penalty was awarded.

In 2021, Alexander commented on the possible reason for his penalty heroics: “I missed one for Scunthorpe at Wembley aged 19 [1992, old Fourth Division play-off final]. We lost, and I felt so guilty. I was in tears on the pitch. But I decided there and then: I’m not running away from penalties now – I’ve got to take them.”

The other recorded penalty misses for Alexander include those against Sheffield United in 2004, Bristol City in 2010, and against Exeter City and Leyton Orient in 2011.

However, as expected, the list of penalties scored was much longer. What might interest Bradford supporters is that Alexander netted a handful of penalties against the Bantams.

The first penalty scored by Alexander against the club was in 2001 against former Bantam goalkeeper Aidan Davison in a 1-1 draw. In 2002, at Valley Parade, Alexander scored his second penalty against the club, similarly in a 1-1 draw, this time slotting the ball past former goalkeeper Steve Banks.

Now, Alexander is managing Bradford, building a project in the latter stages of the current season and, over the summer, hopefully setting up the club for success with a view to promotion next season.

Ironically, Alexanders's goal-scoring record was overtaken by a Bradford-born defender, who is now plying his trade in the SPL.

Bradford-born James Tavernier has an eye for goal

James Tavernier shares many similarities with Graham Alexander. Both traditionally play in the right-back position, both are known for their leadership, both are highly respected captains, both are known as dead-ball specialists, and both have ties to Bradford.

Born in Bradford, Tavernier started his youth playing career at local club Farsley Celtic before joining Leeds United and then Newcastle United, where he got his break in professional football.

After several loan spells to various EFL clubs, Tavernier joined Rangers in 2015 whilst the club was in the Scottish Championship and has gone on to be a mainstay in the team ever since, while also becoming captain of the Scottish club.

Other achievements at the club include appearing in the UEFA Champions League, being the top scorer during the 2021–22 UEFA Europa League, where the club made the final of the competition, and then joining the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2023.

James Tavernier breaks the British goalscoring record for a defender

After 15 years of Alexander holding the British goal record, Tavernier took the crown away from the Bradford manager with a great goal, scoring a volley from inside the box in a 3-1 win against Hibernian in late March 2023.

Rangers captain Tavernier has broken the incredible British goal record that has stood for 15 years. The defender reached this landmark during Rangers' recent 3-1 win over Hibernian in late March 2023, scoring his 131st career goal. Since then, Tavernier scored against fierce rivals Celtic in a 3-3 draw, taking his tally to 132 career goals.

With Tavernier now only 33, there’s a high chance he will continue to add goals to his record, which will probably stand for many years.