‘It’s still prevalent in minds of Bradford people. It shouldn’t ever be forgotten’

Graham Alexander has honored individuals who preserve the memory of the fire that occurred on Valley Parade.

Today, on the 39th anniversary of the tragedy that claimed 56 lives, Centenary Square hosts the yearly memorial service.

Attendees at the occasion will include city personnel and players as well as a civic party from Lincoln, the team that faced off against them on that fateful May 11, 1985.

Andy Bowerman, dean of Bradford, and club chaplain Oli Evans will conduct the 11 a.m. ceremony. For the benefit of the Bantams, director Alan Biggin is laying a wreath.

Before their season-ending match, Evans gave the City players a rundown of the horrifying incidents and showed them video.

Alexander acknowledged that the minute of silence at Valley Parade that afternoon demonstrated the enduring power of the emotion.

“There was definitely talk before it, but that was the moment when you truly felt the emotion and the memories,” he remarked.

People in Bradford still think about it frequently, and with good reason. Never should we forget it.

It shouldn’t change and I don’t think it will ever.

“Those who make the effort to ensure that it is never forgotten deserve a great deal of praise.

“You should never forget the tragedy, the lives lost, and the aftermath as well as the events itself.

People are still dealing with those wounds and recollections, and ultimately, they are still dealing with sadness.

“Excellent job to those who continue to ensure that everyone is fully informed on what transpired on that day and in the days that followed.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Centenary Square memorial statue, the site of the service
The memorial statue located in Centenary Square, the site of the service (Photo courtesy of Newsquest)
Alexander discussed the modifications made to the game after the tragedy while still a youthful football enthusiast.

The City manager continued, “There was a lot to learn in football from that period.”

“British football saw a few catastrophes, which led to numerous improvements for the benefit of the sport and the attendance of supporters at matches.

“When I was a supporter, the grounds weren’t pleasant places to visit.”

“I’m not sure how well football supporters were treated in the past, not just at particular teams but during the entire game.

Regretfully, such events were necessary for it to change. However, that did happen, and hopefully, it won’t happen again.

“They are eerie, but it’s crucial that everyone remembers them in order to pay respect for all those who have passed away and those who were present that day.”

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