A POIGNANT pause will precede what City hope could become an afternoon with destiny tomorrow.

The last game of the season is shaping up to be a dramatic one at Valley Parade as the unlikely charge for the last play-off spot reaches its climax.

But the anticipation and excitement will be put on hold for a minute’s silence to remember another final day with such tragic consequences.

City will first pay their respects to the 56 who died in the fire disaster 39 years ago next month.

“It’s an important part of the history of Bradford City,” said boss Graham Alexander.

“I’m old enough to remember it as a teenage football fan. I was maybe 13 so I don’t know if I’d have understood the scale of it apart from obviously the tragedy of the death toll.

“But as you get older and you have more of an understanding of life, these things become more important because you have a family yourself.

“When I park the car before games and walk past the memorial, I look at it every time and see the names. You certainly see some of the ages of people, which is quite haunting.”

Club chaplain Oli Evans talked the squad and coaching staff through a seven-minute film about the fire and his recollections from the terrifying day. Alexander admitted it really hit home with the group.

“I’ve seen it before but being here and watching it again, knowing the ages of some of those people, and seeing it right in front of you was horrendous.

“I had a quick glance around the room at the players and you could see in their faces they understand now the psyche of the Bradford people, certainly the ones that come into Valley Parade week in, week out to support their team.

“Whether they went through it or not, everyone will know someone who was a part of that day.

“I think it’s a vital part of the rich history of Bradford City and it’s important that everyone who comes to either play or work for the club understands what it means for everybody.”

Alexander feels there is now a better understanding about the close connection that exists between the club and supporters because of what happened in 1985.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: City players in the minute's silence before the last game in 2022City players in the minute's silence before the last game in 2022 (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“You don’t want a tragedy like that to form that bond but it is there. The history and the emotions are there and it’s important you respect that.

“I think you feel it. Football is an emotional sport and you have to connect with that emotion.

“I don’t think any person watching that video last week or listening to Oli speak wouldn’t have felt something emotionally.

“Hopefully we can use that as part of our inspiration. If that thought or emotion might get you through a difficult moment for two or three minutes, I think that’s showing all the people that passed on that day the greatest respect you can.”