Sheffield Wednesday’s League One counterparts Bradford City have appointed Michael Duff as their new manager.

The Bantams, who won 1-0 at Hillsborough in August, have appointed Duff as Graham Alexander’s successor at Valley Parade, confirming that he has signed a deal until the end of the 2029/30 campaign.

Alexander left the West Yorkshire outfit last month to replace former Owls defender Paul Heckingbottom at Preston North End. Alexander made more than 400 appearances for Preston across two spells during his playing career.

Despite being linked with a plethora of candidates to replace the 54-year-old, Bradford have appointed Duff, who was sacked by Wycombe Wanderers last month, as their new boss.

The former Barnsley boss, who is currently serving a pre-existing touchline ban, will take charge for the first time when the Bantams host Leyton Orient on Saturday.

“It is exciting to be here,” Duff told Bradford’s club website. “The move has happened quite quickly and with where the club is sitting now and taking over from someone who I know and respect a lot, this is a great opportunity.

“After the interviews with Ryan [Sparks], David [Sharpe] and Stephen [Gent], it was clear we have similar visions on how football should be played and what style of play we want for Bradford City.

“The style of play has already been built here. Continuity is incredibly important, and I do not want to change too much without being a copycat. It has been a whirlwind week, but when you see the environment you are going to be working in, it gets the juices flowing.

“It is about getting the balance right of putting your own stamp on things without ripping up the blueprint.”

Duff, 48, is a vastly experienced operator in League One, having taken charge of more than 170 matches at this level. He was, of course, in charge of Barnsley when they were beaten 1-0 by Wednesday in the 2023 League One play-off final at Wembley.

Bradford are currently second in League One, two places and two points ahead of Wednesday, having played a game more.