PHIL Parkinson feels another City trip to Wembley would be a fitting way to mark the 30th anniversary of the fire disaster.

The Bantams will descend on the national stadium for the third time in two years if they beat Reading in today’s lunch-time quarter-final at Valley Parade.

A sell-out home crowd will roar them on once again and Parkinson recognises the strong bond between the club and fans – a link that will be reinforced this year as the 1985 tragedy reaches another milestone.

Parkinson said: “I think this being the 30th anniversary brings added poignancy to things. Ever since I arrived, I have been able to feel the connection between the club and the city.

“A lot of that is, to me, down to the Bradford fire. The 30th year anniversary is special and if we can do our bit on the pitch to make this year unique then great. That is what we are trying to do.

“This last couple of years have raised the profile of both the club and the city of Bradford. I really do believe that.

“Football has that ability and everyone in the city is talking about football and the FA Cup.

“You go anywhere in the country and mention Bradford, people want to talk about the Chelsea game straight away.

“This cup run has really put us firmly on the map. We had it two years ago and we are doing it again.

“We would love it to continue. It is a tough task but we will give it everything.”

Parkinson reckons City’s cut-price season-ticket policy, now in its eighth year, has played a major part in establishing a fanbase which is the second largest in League One.

“I do believe the ticket prices have helped strengthen that bond and given people a feeling that we are all in it together.

“What it did, in my eyes, during the years in League Two when things weren’t going well was give the club a core support.

“So, when the good times started to come back, the club didn’t have to go looking for 5-6,000 fans.

“I do feel, for all the furore over tickets this time, that there is a real sense among the supporters that they are valued by the club.”

Parkinson will remind his team about that fervent backing before they step out to face Reading – just as he does before every home game. The players will be in no doubt what is expected.

The City boss added: “The supporters have renewed belief. You can feel that.

“It isn’t possible to win every week but it is possible to give everything. Our supporters identify with that.

“Myself, Steve Parkin and the rest of the staff try to have a modern approach with the way we do everything – but with an old-school mentality of discipline, honesty and commitment.

“I remember Nahki (Wells) on the TV when we beat Leeds saying ‘when you play for Bradford, you never, ever give in’.

“That is what we try to instil in the team. Look at Chelsea for proof of that – there’s no better example that we drive to the end.

“If we then come back in at full-time and we can look round at each other knowing we have given everything in our powers to do well, then I am happy when I drive home and I sleep well.”