Graham Alexander has been someone for whom the 'Mr Dependable' tag appears to apply. The Scotland international has been a regular fixture as Preston North End's right back for probably more seasons now than he cares to remember. Although the latest campaign ended on a high at Deepdale by beating promoted Birmingham City, Alexander was in an uncompromising mood after the final whistle as he spoke to givemefootball's Ian Clarkson
Q:GRAHAM, YOU HAVE MISSED OUT ON THE PLAY-OFFS BY A NARROW MARGIN. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT YOU MUST BE GUTTED?
A:It just shows how poor we have been since the turn of the year. We were on top of the pile going into the second half of the season and we have missed out on the play-offs by a point. To be honest, that's criminal. The amount of games we have blown and now we have not even secured a play-off place. It was the least I thought we were going to achieve this season.
Q:HOW DO YOU ASSESS THAT?
A:Well, on a personal level, as captain it has made me more determined. But everyone has got to go away and think about what has happened at the club this season and come back determined to do something about it.
Q:THE MANAGER HAS SPOKEN ABOUT 'A BAD APPLE' IN THE CAMP. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
A:Part of my job as captain is to recognise that and do something about it. Perhaps I could have been stronger - I don't know. If there are any 'bad apples' then that's for the manager to sort out. Everyone is hurting at the moment. There's just no way with the team we have got that we should have finished outside the play-offs given the start to the season that we had.
Q:WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
A:We can come back a little bit stronger next season. I include myself in that. On the day against Birmingham, it was a really sad day, even though we won. For the players and the fans. We know it was there. I'd be lying to myself if I didn't think we could win promotion this season, so to not get in the play-offs...I'm struggling to get to grips with it.
Q:WHAT IS THE WORST PART ABOUT IT?
A:Well, if you are chasing and there is some excitement about closing the gap and getting in there you could say we were unlucky. But if everyone at this football club is honest with themselves, then the only thing you can say is that we threw it away.
Q:DAVID NUGENT'S FUTURE SEEMS TO BE GRABBING MOST OF THE ATTENTION, NOW?
A:David has done well for us over the past two years and any club would miss a good player - if he were to leave. Players move on from every club but you hope if that does happen that it will benefit Preston North End. He's a great lad, and there is still a slight chance that he might not go, so it's a case of 'wait and see' for the rest of us, I suppose. If he does go, as far as I'm concerned, he will get a pat on the back and I will give him my best wishes. If he keeps his feet on the ground and works hard then I can see him being a big hit wherever he ends up. He has got the ability to do that, no question; like I say he has done well for us.
Q:WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA, NOW?
A:Well, we will go away and I hope we learn about what has gone on, here. Everyone needs to go away lick their wounds and work hard again to make sure this doesn't happen again.
