Duffy Brings Winning Pedigree To Valley

Valley manager Grant Joshua has moved to bring in highly-experienced midfielder Jake Duffy ahead of the new season.

The 37-year-old arrives at Butlin Road boasting an impressive CV having been named in the Step 4 Team of the Season in three consecutive campaigns between 2021/22 and 2023/24.

Duffy played a key role in Stamford's Northern Premier League Midlands title-winning side in 2022/23 before helping Harborough Town secure promotion the following season.

Most recently, he returned to Stamford from Rugby Borough in February and helped the Daniels escape relegation and secure their Step 3 status at the end of last season.

His career has also included spells with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Aylestone Park, Corby Town, Holbeach United and Oadby Town.

Manager Grant Joshua believes securing Duffy's signature is a major statement of intent: "We're nearing the conclusion of our business for the summer and getting someone for the role that Jake excels in has been hard work, but we've remained patient until we found the right fit for our club.

"The package of Duffs as a person and as a player, we have got it right and I have to say I'm delighted with this signing for the football club."

Joshua was candid in his assessment of an area he felt needed addressing following last season's relegation. "Jake possesses everything I want in a player who plays that role, he has huge character and personality.

"We never replaced Greg Tempest last season and I am honest enough to say that fell on me - I couldn't get the player I wanted in and it killed us.

"It's a role of paramount importance in the way we want to play."

The Town boss believes Duffy's experience, leadership and winning mentality will be invaluable to the squad: "Jake is coming in as a serial winner, a leader, he has outstanding technical ability and the club will fit him like a glove.

"My conversations with him were really easy - two people who are obsessed with football - and it's a real good fit at this moment in time.

“He knows what the objectives are for the season. He wouldn't have come otherwise."