Heartfelt tributes paid to 'one in a million' Bradford City fan

When avid Bradford City fan Douglas Smith, 64, of Bradford, passed away earlier this month, his loss shocked his family and friends.

Douglas had a brain tumour and died of cancer on June 7, but his love for his favourite football team remained until the end.

Douglas Smith, right, with his son Rob Smith (Image: UGC)

"It was such a shock to everyone,” said Douglas’ son Rob Smith, of Bradford. “He died of brain tumour. Cancer is such an evil thing.

“In his last two weeks, all he said was ‘Take me to City, take me to City.

Douglas Smith, right, with his son Rob Smith, left, and Bradford City player Brad Halliday (Image: UGC)

“It was all he wanted to do. His last game was when City played Walsall away.”

And Douglas’ friends and family spoke about how much he loved to see his beloved City, particularly for the away day experiences.

Douglas Smith, left, loved Bradford City away days (Image: UGC)

“Being away together and just following your team was important to him,” said Rob. “It was a whole day experience.

“We’ve been up to Scotland and Germany in the pre-season and my dad really wanted to go to Austria to see Bradford City later in the pre-season this year. So, I’ll be taking his ashes with me.”

Douglas Smith, left, on an away day with his son-in-law Michael Lambert (Image: UGC)

In a post on Facebook, Michael Lambert, Douglas’ son-in-law, also spoke about how “devastated” he was to lose Douglas.

He said: "We lost an absolute legend in my father-in-law Douglas Smith.

“City away days won't be the same without you pal.

Douglas Smith, Rob Smith and Michael Lambert on a City away day (Image: UGC)

“We had so many good memories these past five years.

“If it wasn't for you I wouldn't see these away days but I will do City away days in your memory.

“Miss and love you loads buddy.”

Michael added: “He was the biggest City fan you could think off. He had Bradford City programmes going back to the 1950s.

“He was the happiest and kindest guy you could ever meet!”

Douglas Smith with his son Rob and grandson Charlie at a pool league game (Image: UGC)

Rob also spoke about how much fun it was to be around his dad.

“My dad was one in a million,” said Rob. “He was fun to be around.

“What a wonderful family member he was.

“He loved going for a beer and he played pool all of his life.

“He enjoyed playing pool in the Shipley and District Pool League as well as the West Yorkshire Inter League.”

Rob said his dad was semi-retired having worked most of his life for BT and Bradford & Bingley. In later years, he helped Rob with his work on building sites.