NOT many right backs can lay claim to having one of the most popular chants at a club.

They are usually saved for goal-scoring centre forwards and flying wingers – but it perhaps says it all about Stephen Darby that the one bearing his name was one of the more frequently heard songs.

The defender's whole-hearted endeavour, often reflected in those trademark goal-line clearances and no-nonsense tackles, were regularly met with the catchy ditty in his honour derived from 'Don't you want me baby' by The Human League.

"It was nice to hear that the work you're doing and the effort you were putting in was recognised," said the former skipper, who made his first appearance for Bolton on Saturday at Chorley.

"Hearing that song now will always bring back memories of playing for Bradford."

Darby said the words 'sleeping giant' were used quite a bit when he arrived at a club still trying to come out of a slump which had seen them spend the last five seasons in the bottom tier.

Not only did he help awaken that 'giant' during his five years at City, who earned promotion and then two consecutive League One play-off places, he was also part of some magical cup runs as the Bantams toppled genuine giants of the game.

"There have been so many special times and special memories," said Darby.

"I think I'd have been lying if I said I thought we'd achieve what we have done in the last five years. We knew we had something special. We had that team spirit which I'd never really felt before."

Darby played an integral part in wins over Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds and Sunderland.

It is no wonder, when asked which his favourite highlight was, Darby said: "There are so many I wouldn't like to pick one in particular. I wouldn't want to pick a certain game as they all had their meaning."

The memories remain vivid as Darby recounted a few.

He said: "Leeds at home was a great night – to go 1-0 down and then come back to win 2-1. When Hans (James Hanson) scored his goal, I've never known noise like it. The place was bouncing and the atmosphere was brilliant.

"Villa away (when City reached Wembley in the Capital One Cup final) would be up there as well as one of the best. It is something you dream of."

It says something about the character and belief that existed in the squad Phil Parkinson built that Darby added: "As big as those games were, and as tough as they were, you always thought we had a chance."

The League Cup final at Wembley may have been a step too far, as Swansea triumphed 5-0, but it still remains a proud day for the 29-year-old defender.

Darby said: "The final led to mixed emotions. We knew it was going to be a tough game but Swansea were worthy winners on the day.

"It was still a special occasion. We were three or four-nil down and I remember me and Gaz (Gary Jones) just looked at each other and couldn't believe all the fans were waving flags.

"The atmosphere was just brilliant. It was a celebration of getting there after what we'd achieved."

Darby signed a two-year deal with Parkinson at Wanderers last week – the last of City's 'history makers' to get fixed up elsewhere.

But he was proud to be part of a renowned back four with the likes of Rory McArdle, James Meredith and, for the first couple of years, Andrew Davies.

"There was a real consistency and we came to know each other's games inside out," said Darby.

"It was a pleasure, not only to play with those players but also the friendships that were made.

"It was special and it was not just the back four. The desire and character there ran right through the squad.

"The first day I came in you could tell we had a special group and the fans could see that.

"We were playing for them and the shirt and they could relate to that. During that four or five years, you could see the bond between the players and the fans.

"The support given home and away was fantastic, not only on the good days but also some tough ones when they stood by us.

"They are a special group of fans and they are the main reason why players want to play for the club. Players will come and go but it is the fans that keep the place going."