Duff takes Taylor’s comparison as a compliment but is confident in his role

That was the grandiose description given by Peter Taylor when the Cheltenham stalwart was unveiled as City’s latest signing on the eve of pre-season.

But even in the briefest of glimpses in the first pre-season friendly, you could see what his manager was getting at.

Duff may have had the quietest of introductions with the second half at Plumpton Park. But there was a commanding air about his play; a presence in his approach which suggested that he was the boss of the back four.

That is the type of character that Taylor has been looking for to beef up his defence – someone who is not afraid to take charge and make sure those around him know exactly where they stand.

Duff said: “I like to think I’m a very good organiser. If I can help get people in position to give us a firm base to work from, then I’ll do it all day long.

“I don’t want people to expect Tony Adams to walk out there though! I’ve not heard that before but I take it as a compliment and let’s say I’m confident in what I do.”

Duff has no reason to doubt Taylor. After all, his prospective boss had carried out the most extensive homework before bringing the 28-year-old north.

The defender said: “The first time I spoke to Peter Taylor, he told me that he had spoken to a lot of managers. I also had some people I’d played with calling me, saying that he’d been on the phone to them.

“That’s testament to his thoroughness and approach and when he told me how much he’d like me to come, he must have been happy with what he had heard.

“He has got a fantastic record in management and it didn’t take long to persuade me. I was excited listening to his ideas of how he wants to play. I just want to be part of something special here.”

Duff is also hoping for a full season after two years severely hampered by an on-going Achilles problem. A clear-up operation has convinced him that the injury troubles are in the past.

The “fresh challenge” of Valley Parade was a major pull after a decade in the comparatively quiet surroundings of Cheltenham.

Duff knows from his own experiences of facing City that they will always be a big scalp in the bottom division. The expectation that comes with the job is a welcome added pressure.

He said: “I’d prefer to be the favourite rather than chasing and battling against relegation. We know that other teams will come to Bradford and up their game.

“But we’ve got to earn the right. Just because we’ve got Bradford City written on our shirts doesn’t mean anything.

“This league is always difficult. One team might be third and another third bottom and there will still only be a goal in it.

“You need to grind out wins even when you’re playing terribly. It’s a results-based business and you’ve got to have that strong mentality.

“I like winning. I hate to lose, whether it’s football or a game of darts in the changing room – I just like to win.”

Adams would agree with that sentiment.