Preston North End defender Graham Alexander is a worthy recipient of respect from footballing peers Graham Alexander, the 40-year-old Preston North End player, is one of these models of dedication, a credit to his trade and a reminder to the next generation of the importance of hard work. Alexander has never let the side down on and off the pitch. He still looks incredibly fit, a tribute to a disciplined approach to his demanding craft. He reveres his profession and the Professional Footballers" Association has now returned the compliment, honouring him with a merit award on Sunday. Previous recipients include Pele and Eusebio, Sir Stanley Matthews and the England 1966 World Cup squad. It is presented to those who have served the game especially well. Football's an obsession as well as an occupation for Alexander. "I just wanted to play once just so that I could say I have been a professional footballer," he recalled. Known to his peers as "Grezza," he made his debut on April 27, 1991, at Scunthorpe United before heading to Luton Town, Preston, Burnley and back to Deepdale for a combined cost of only £250,000 and he has loved every moment. "I've been a 10 year-old for 30 years going out and playing football with friends,"" added Alexander. He has represented Scotland 40 times, always given everything for the cause, always contributing whether in midfield or right back. He proved so unerring from the penalty spot for most of his career that his then Preston manager, Craig Brown, used to wave his players back to the halfway line before Alexander started his run-up. Father Time is one opponent he could not beat, although he has tried hard. Retirement looms. The professional game will be a poorer place without Alexander. However, the coaching world has just gained a real prospect.