Getting to know: Stephen Darby

Five key facts you may not have known about Wanderers' latest signing, Stephen Darby.

Familiar faces

It will be easy for Wanderers' latest signing to settle into the side as the Lostock training ground is littered with former teammates and coaching staff.

The likes of Phil Parkinson, Steve Parkin, Lee Butler, Nick Allamby and Matt Barrass worked with the defender during their stint at Valley Parade, while Filipe Morais used to share the same wing as Darby while at The Bantams.  

International

He earned both of his England caps for the U19 side, featuring for the England squad for the UEFA European U19 Championship qualifiers in May 2007.

The defender featured twice for the Young Lions alongside the likes of former Liverpool teammates Jack Hobbs and Adam Hammill.

Committed to the cause

During his Liverpool days, the 28-year-old was selected for the Liverpool squad to face Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Despite being an unused substitute, Darby flew from Istanbul to Liverpool before helping the Liverpool youth team overcome West Brom in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup after extra-time the very next day.

Partner in Crime

Steph Houghton is a name recognisable to many. The England Women’s captain and current Manchester City defender is Darby’s long-term partner.

Wembley

Darby played at Wembley twice during his time with the Yorkshire outfit. First turning out in Bradford’s 5-0 defeat to Swansea City in the Capital One Cup Final, a few months later he helped Bradford earn promotion out of League Two with a 3-0 win over Northampton Town in the Play-Off Final.

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