Graeme Lee is ready to succeed David Wetherall as City's new leader on the pitch.

The former Doncaster skipper has pushed his claims to take over the armband at Valley Parade after signing a two-year deal.

With Lee's arrival at centre half, Stuart McCall has called a halt to his pursuit of former City team-mate Darren Moore.

McCall said: "It's common knowledge that we spoke to big Daz but he's still undecided at the minute. To be fair, we had to move on and he respected that.

"I had already spoken to Graeme. We tried to get him here at the back end of last season when he went to Shrewsbury because we wanted to have a look a him.

"We put a deadline on Daz, and Graeme knew that, but we couldn't afford to mess about. I spoke to Graeme over the summer and I'm delighted to get a lad who's got three promotions under his belt.

"He's a leader; he knows Paul Arnison and Paul Heckingbottom already and comes well recommended. I remember when he was at Sheffield Wednesday and I was at United and know what a good strong player he is.

"We're obviously missing David Wetherall's influence at the back and I'm sure Graeme will come in and lead us.

"He's captain material and brings not only his leadership but a hunger and desire - I like his mentality."

As City begin pre-season at Apperley Bridge today, there could be another addition as talks with a midfielder continue.

But long-term target Michael Boulding continues to weigh up his considerable options.

Lee, 30, also had choices after being released by Rovers, with Shrewsbury particularly keen to sign him. Chesterfield and Stockport were also believed to be interested.

But the 6ft 2in defender was instantly won over by the bubbly enthusiasm of the City manager.

Lee said: "He really impressed me just speaking on the phone. Obviously it's always nice when someone wants you but he told me the ambitions of the club, and that was one of the main factors in me coming here.

"He's part of this club, been here many years, he knows the supporters and wants to get the whole place moving. That's something I want to be part of.

"I've had promotions at every club I've played for. That gives you a taste of it and I want to be playing somewhere with that ambition.

"It would be an absolute honour if he gave me the responsibility of captain. I'd take the armband with both hands and hopefully do it justice."

Like Arnison, Lee is keen to make up for lost time. Having lifted the Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Doncaster's first honour - in 2007, he endured a nightmare injury-hit campaign.

A neck problem kept him out of pre-season last year and then he injured a knee in training which derailed him until Christmas.

Lee could not force his way back in the team and went on loan to Hartlepool and Shrewsbury before being recalled to the Keepmoat for his solitary Rovers appearance against Luton in April.

He sat on the bench for the play-off semi-finals against Southend but was not included in the Wembley squad for the final win over Leeds.

"Last season was a write-off for me," he said. "But I want to put that behind me.

"I'm a positive thinker and it's now all about looking forward to this season and helping Bradford to win promotion.

"This club have had frustrating times but look round the whole set-up and everything is ready to go again. I think it's going to be a promising season for everyone.

"I had options in League One and could have been happy just to stay in that division. But I believe I'm taking a backward step to go forward with a club who have ambitions to get back up."