Phil Parkinson today savoured the coup of bringing Craig Fagan to City and declared: He can be our figurehead.

Fagan, who played in the Premier League for both Derby and Hull, signed a one-year deal yesterday to end a week of delicate negotiation.

City had staged a 40-minute training game for the 28-year-old to confirm there were no lingering problems from last season’s hip injury.

With his fitness assured, Parkinson could celebrate a capture that will raise eyebrows beyond Valley Parade.

Fagan had summer trials with Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Cardiff and was poised to sign for Greek side Panionios when Parkinson made his first call. He also had an offer from a League One club.

Having worked with him at Colchester and Hull, the Bantams boss knows what a huge impact a fully-fit and firing Fagan could have.

He said: “At Colchester we always analysed the team over the season in terms of goals scored and assists and he was well ahead of anyone else. With his craft and skill around the box, he makes chances for other people as well as scoring important goals.

“I sat down with Craig to see what was on his mind. He’s got the hunger to get back playing where he was before and he’ll do anything he can to get himself back there.”

Full story in today's Telegraph & Argus