TRIBUTES have flooded on to the Telegraph & Argus message board and social media as City fans reacted to the news that former skipper Stephen Darby is leaving the club.
The Bantams announced yesterday that the popular defender has not been offered a new contract, meaning his five-year association is coming to an end.
The right back was signed by Phil Parkinson from Liverpool in the summer of 2012. In his first season, he was part of the history-making City team who reached the League Cup final at Wembley before returning to the national stadium three months later to win promotion from League Two.
It was in that cup run that he scored his only goal for the Bantams in 233 starts but it was a crucial one, netting an extra-time winner against Burton in the third round.
An old-school full back with superb tackling ability who made goal-line clearances his speciality, Darby succeeded Gary Jones as captain in 2014.
Known for his professionalism, he led by example on the pitch as City went on another giant-killing run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, skippering them to a famous victory at league champions Chelsea.
Darby lost his regular spot to Tony McMahon last season under Stuart McCall but still played an important part in City reaching the play-offs again, making 25 appearances.
The 29-year-old is unlikely to be short of offers as he looks for more game-time elsewhere.
Below are a selection of comments from our readers on the T&A website.
Good luck to Stephen Darby. Great professional.
Peter300
Good luck Darbs; we've missed your goal line clearances this season, we'll miss you next
Andrew_idle
Best of luck Darbs – great player for the club and a part of some really beautiful moments for City and us all these last few years.
Solomon Grundy
Cheers Darbs you can be proud of your contribution. Heartbeat of a great team
whisk2
Thanks for everything Stephen. Best of luck for the future, you won't be short of offers. A fine player and a great servant to Bradford City who epitomised everything positive in a footballer.
Statler4
Good luck Darbs....you are a top bloke and top professional....sad to see you go..Thanks for the memories and best of luck to you #HistoryMaker
GenieBantam
Although most of us knew this was coming, it still doesn't mask how disappointed some of us are that he is leaving. A top professional, a very good footballer and a really nice bloke too.
BradfordCougar
Really sorry to see him go. The management obviously prefer Tony McMahon and having two senior full backs on expensive contracts would tie up a lot of cash that could be used elsewhere in the squad.
BD16
You have been at the heart of everything good over the last 5 years. Great defender and very upset to see you leave. Hope we do not live to regret this decision, good luck in the future.
i miss stallard and murray
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