ASH Taylor insists City are in safe hands with Sam Walker in goal.

The new keeper is preparing to make his first Valley Parade outing for the club against Doncaster this week.

Walker made a solid debut in the 1-1 draw at Colchester and Taylor, who played with him previously for Kilmarnock, believes he can step into the big shoes left by Harry Lewis.

“H has been fantastic for this football club, on and off the field,” said the big centre half.

“You know what type of character he is. He’s a great lad and he’s been brilliant with everyone.

“But I’ve played with Sam and I know what he’s capable of and what we achieved together at Kilmarnock.

“We are in a safe pair of hands. You can see how commanding he is and he’s got very good distribution.

“He’s going to show himself really well for the second part of the season.”

Lewis became a firm favourite with the fans in his 18 months with the club before leaving for Carlisle. Taylor knows Walker will not be daunted by taking over.

“Sam had a similar thing at Kilmarnock,” he added. “He came in as number one but they signed another keeper just before him, Zach Hemming.

“Zach did really well in the team so Sam had to bide his time. But when he got his opportunity, he had to fill Zach’s boots, went in and kept his place and played all season.

“Sam is capable of doing what he’s doing and I’m sure it will be the same here.

“I know the type of man Sam is and his character. He’s very calm and composed and did well on Saturday.

“It’s just a shame we couldn’t keep a clean sheet off one chance they had.

“But he’ll be a pleasure to have at the football club and I’m sure the boys will see that.”

Walker is counting down until his first experience of wearing a City jersey in front of the Kop.

He last played at Valley Parade for Colchester in 2015 – but has vivid memories of a particular incident in a 2-2 draw the previous season.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Billy Knott prepares to shoot at Sam Walker at Valley Parade in 2015Billy Knott prepares to shoot at Sam Walker at Valley Parade in 2015 (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Colchester substitute Daniel Pappoe was sent off just four minutes after coming on for a reckless lunge at Mark Yeates that Phil Parkinson later claimed could have broken the midfielder’s leg.

Walker said: “I was up here with Colchester and one of our lads came on and made probably one of the worst tackles I’ve ever seen in the corner and got a straight red. It caused a big melee.

“That’s one of my biggest memories and I played against Bradford twice the season they had (Jordan) Pickford on loan.

“I know it’s a place that’s very difficult for away teams when Bradford City are on top. That’s what we’ve got to look to try and harness.

“I’m really looking forward to back-to-back home games and building the excitement to step out at Valley Parade.

“Playing at that (Kop) end is going to be a really special thing.

“My memories are that it’s far and away the best stadium to be playing at in this league, and probably the league above as well.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play there earlier in my career and I can’t wait to get out there again.”