Wayne Jacobs admits he feels “blessed” to be working with Peter Taylor.

Jacobs eagerly signed up to be Taylor’s full-time number two at City next term after the pair quickly hit it off.

It has been a smooth transition for Stuart McCall’s former assistant, whose strong affinity with the club has been acknowledged by the manager.

Taylor has even tipped Jacobs as a future candidate for the Valley Parade hot-seat.

Jacobs insists he can learn plenty from watching the experienced boss at close quarters.

He said: “Peter is a very experienced operator. He’s established in his own ways and knows exactly what he is looking for.

“He is confident in his own ability and not worried by things around him.

“To hear the kind words he said about me was humbling, coming from someone of Peter’s standing in the game and his reputation.

“I’ve seen that very closely at work and watched him stamp his authority on the place.

“For me to work with him and have that close working relationship, I feel blessed.”

The future looked uncertain for Jacobs after McCall’s departure in February. Losing his close pal and confidante left many fans believing that his assistant would also be on his way.

But Taylor clicked with the City stalwart straight away and stressed that he had a crucial role to play within the new management team alongside Junior Lewis.

Jacobs said: “It was a difficult time (when Stuart left) because we are very close. Seeing him hurting was very hard.

“When Peter came in, obviously I’d heard a lot about him and knew he’d been successful in the game. But to me he was a stranger.

“I didn’t know how it would work together but we’ve had a really open and honest relationship from day one. He’s been a true gentleman.

“Our working relationship has just moved on from there, culminating in signing a new deal which I was delighted to do.

“I’m really looking forward to next season and the chance to work with the gaffer in more depth.”

Hopes are traditionally high at this time of year but there is more expectation within the club because of Taylor’s track record at taking teams up. Jacobs shares that belief.

“When the board went out and got Peter Taylor, everyone could see his success rate and not always achieved on the biggest budgets,” he said.

“Along with Dave Bassett, I think he has had the most promotions so he fitted the criteria obviously.

“His appointment brought optimism among everyone else and we were all delighted to finish the season strongly.

“Now we’re looking to recruit in the right places and hopefully take it on from there.”