PHIL Parkinson expects City to do justice to the memory of the fire victims in an emotional final game at Valley Parade tomorrow.

The traditional minute’s silence for the 56 people who lost their lives will carry an added poignancy on the eve of the 30th anniversary because it will be replicated at grounds across the country.

Parkinson said the players will need no reminding of the significance of the occasion when they face Barnsley.

He said: “It’s important that 56 people are remembered. It’s part of the history of the club.

“I’m pleased that across the country it’s going to be acknowledged. I think that’s the right thing to do.

“I’ve said ever since I’ve been here that I’ve detected a close link between the supporters and this football club. There’s no doubt in my mind it’s because everybody lived through that tragedy together.

“I’ve always sensed that. People tell you about it but it’s not until you are in that inner sanctum of the football club, you realise how strong that feeling is.

“We know it’s a very poignant day for the club and it’s very important that those who wear the shirts tomorrow understand the importance of the day.

“We need to do the day justice and that’s what we will try to do.”

Parkinson believes the squad are well aware of the tragic event from 1985. Several are planning to watch a local play called “The 56” about the disaster.

“Quite a few of the lads have been here for a few years so they understand. There’s a play about the Bradford fire over the next couple of nights and a lot of them are going to see that.

“They will all be there at the remembrance service on May 11. That’s part of being a Bradford City player – we need to understand that day.”

England boss Roy Hodgson will be in the Valley Parade crowd to pay his respects alongside Football Association chairman Greg Dyke.

Parkinson admitted Hodgson’s presence adds an extra incentive to the players.

“It is a great motivation,” he said. “It’s not very often you get the chance at this level to play in front of the England manager.

“He watches Premier League games all across the season, so let’s make it a great atmosphere and obviously from the players’ point of view, it’s a good chance.”

Mark Yeates may have started his last game for the club after opting to undergo a shoulder operation.

The Irishman, one of the players out of contract in the summer, was able to train yesterday but is unlikely to be risked for a full game before going under the knife.

Yeates was not involved in the midweek draw at Scunthorpe to give him time to decide on whether to have the surgery.

Parkinson said: “Mark has had a difficult last ten days or so but he’s come to the decision that he wants to have the operation. I felt that’s what he needed to do.

“Obviously he was a bit concerned with his contract being up. But the shoulder is a very routine operation which he will be back from in six to eight weeks anyway.

“I’ve said to him that whether you stay here or move on, you’ve got to get it done. You can’t risk making it worse.

“He trained yesterday and was fine. If it popped out again, it doesn’t matter.

“But the big thing with Mark is that he needed to clear his head. That’s why I left him out the squad on Tuesday.

“I gave him two days off to sit down with his wife and make the decision what he was going to do. We can only advise but it’s his decision.

“He couldn’t keep putting it off. If he starts with us next season and it pops out, then he’s back to square one and it’s the same if he goes elsewhere.

“Now he’s got the whole summer to get it right.”

Meanwhile, Parkinson has denied a link with Luton’s highly-rated goalkeeper Elliot Justham. He also rubbished a national newspaper line that he would quit if Gianni Paladini took over. He said: “I don’t know where that’s come from.”