Graham Alexander couldn’t have ended his 22 year career in English football any better. Coming on for a cameo appearance in the 83rd minute, Alexander scored a free kick, his specialty, at stoppage time, jumping into the stands to celebrate with the Preston North End fans.
At the age of 40, Alexander actually got the chance to practice his managerial skills a bit during the season, teaming with David Unsworth to create the ‘Grezza & Unsworth’ duo, sharing the caretaker manager role until Graham Westley took over.
Alexander has played for Scunthorpe, Luton, Preston and Burnley during his career, spending only one season (2009-2010 with Burnley) in the top flight, but is mostly regarded a Preston man, returning for a retirement type season. He has played 956 matches in club football, adding 40 more caps for the Scottish national team. His goal against Charlton was his 129th career goal.
To make the incredible scene even more surreal, Alexander was booked by the referee for jumping into the stands to celebrate with the fans. Alexander didn’t get angry, simply hugging the referee and carrying on the celebration.