STEPHEN Darby believes the Valley Parade fire survivors must be remembered all year round and not just before the anniversary.

Every Premier League and Football League game in the country will join City in a minute's silence this afternoon to mark the 56 people who died on May 11, 1985.

It is coming up to 30 years since the disaster and that has raised the national profile. England boss Roy Hodgson will be at today's final home match against Barnsley with Football Association chairman Greg Dyke.

As a Liverpudlian who knows the pain Hillsborough inflicted on Merseyside, City skipper Darby is acutely aware of how much the aftermath of the fire tragedy continues to touch the Bradford community.

He said: "This is my third season here and you do feel it all round the club throughout the year. It's very sad but makes it so important to remember the 56.

"Obviously there are people at the club who were at the game that day and know of others who were there.

"You hear their stories. It was a sad time for everyone and that's why it's so important that, as well as remembering those who died, we have to think about the survivors and what they've had to go through over the last 30 years.

"A lot of people have to live with it. But I think it brings everyone closer together. We have to remember them – and not just at this time but throughout the year."

The fire commemoration has been given an increased profile this year and some fans have felt uneasy about the wider attention.

Darby said: "It's a difficult because different people will have different opinions. It's important we do remember. But I think it's obviously nice that people all around the country are paying their respects.

"I remember an away game during the season when a Bradford fan who works in Spain got in touch with Alan Sheehan and told him about the charity work he is doing out there.

"He was raising money for the Burns Unit out in Spain. That shows it's not just here that people are doing something about it. There is a lot of good work that goes on and long may that continue."

Darby is expected to lay a wreath in the centre circle before today's game on behalf of the City players. The crowd will then fall silent to pay their respects.

"You can hear a pin drop in the place during the minute's silence and you know it will be well respected this weekend," said the Bantams skipper.

"The focus isn't just on football around this time and your thoughts are with everyone connected with those involved in what happened nearly 30 years ago.

"The whole community feels the pain and the hurt. We all have to come together and be strong for each other."