Peter Jackson says the world must never be allowed to forget the Valley Parade fire disaster.

Jackson brings Lincoln to City on Boxing Day - the first league game between the sides in Bradford since the terrible events of May 1985.

It will be an emotional occasion, made even more poignant as both managers were playing for City on that day.

The teams will come out to the tune of You'll Never Walk Alone, the anthem that epitomised the aftermath of the tragedy, and there will be a minute's silence before kick-off.

Jackson, City's captain at the time, will lay a wreath on the pitch.

He said: "It's been a long time but people who were there will never forget the fire - I never will.

"It's got to be kept in the public eye. It's so important for this city and for football as a whole that the Bradford fire is never allowed to be forgotten.

"People across the world should always be reminded to make sure that what happened can not be repeated again in football or any sports stadium.

"There is a special bond between the cities of Bradford and Lincoln since that day and that's important. Those who lost their lives will always be remembered."

It will be the first time that Jackson, appointed Imps boss at the end of October, has locked horns with Stuart McCall in a coaching capacity. He feels that his former team-mate will revive City's fortunes despite their lowly position.

"I remember Stuart making his debut as a 16-year-old and I always knew he would go on and have a successful and wonderful playing career. Hopefully he can take that into management but it does take time.

"Everyone expected immediate success when Stuart got the Bradford job but it's not as easy as that. Stuart knew that and I'm sure the board did.

"People think everything will fall into place straight away but it takes time for any club to build. It's the same with me at Lincoln - nothing changes overnight.

"When I took over at the club they hadn't won since August. You couldn't start any lower - there were 91 clubs above me and my shoulders were struggling under the weight!"

Jackson was lined up to become Millwall boss but Lincoln made their move first and he seized the chance to end a seven-month exile since being sacked at Huddersfield.

"It was the best decision I could have made," he added. "I was in for the Millwall job but I couldn't wait another couple of days to see what they were doing.

"Lincoln are a great club and I'm really enjoying it. I never doubted myself when I was out of work and I knew that given the chance I would do a good job."

Jackson had a fine record at Valley Parade with the Terriers, winning three of his five derby visits. His presence in the dug-out is usually guaranteed to crank up the fervour in the stands - but joint-chairman Mark Lawn is asking for home fans to show him some respect because of the solemn circumstances.

McCall said: "It's good to see Peter back. Deep down, I know that he is a Bradford fan, whatever might have been said in the past. And as a player, I thought he was excellent for us first time round."

Jackson has lifted Lincoln above the two relegation spots, although their recent improved run was jolted by Saturday's 4-0 home loss to Darlington and they remain three points behind City.

But the Imps chief has set his sights a lot higher and has even drawn up a "Jackson Five" campaign to encourage players and fans to think positive.

"We're climbing the table slowly and there is still a long way to go. But the way we can play, I think we are good enough to beat anybody in this division.

"It might sound very unlikely but I still feel we can make the play-offs."

Left back Gary Croft returns from a two-game ban after being shown his second red card of the season. Ben Wright will replace Bantams Wembley hero Mark Stallard up front if he recovers in time from a sickness bug.

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