CITY will rename the Valley Parade boardroom in honour of Jack Tordoff.

The former chairman and honorary life president has died aged 86 after a long illness.

A minute’s applause will be held before the next home game against Bristol Rovers on October 16.

Chief executive Ryan Sparks also confirmed the renaming of the boardroom to remember a man who played such a key role in keeping the club alive in 1983 and getting them back to Valley Parade three years later after the fire.

Sparks said: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with the Tordoff family and those close to them following Jack’s sad passing.

“Jack and his family have played a significant part in the story of Bradford City and will continue to do so for years to come.

“He leaves behind a wonderful legacy, having served as club chairman and honorary life president, and - of course - through our proud relationship with JCT600, which remains one of the longest standing in English football.

“Jack cared deeply for our football club and was one of its biggest supporters.

“It goes without saying that we will be working towards delivering on-field success in his honour over the months and years ahead.

“We are grateful for everything Jack Tordoff did for Bradford City AFC, and his name will forever remain written into the club’s history.

“The boardroom is a part of our home which Jack spent many years in, and was extremely proud of. It will be renamed in his honour this season.

“I hope every supporter will take a moment to join us in paying our collective respects to Jack when we host Bristol Rovers at Valley Parade on October 16.”

Tordoff first became involved with the Bantams as a director, aged 38, in November 1973.

Having resigned in January 1978, Tordoff returned to Valley Parade alongside Stafford Heginbotham, as the pair guided City’s rescue from insolvency. He remained chairman, director and shareholder until 1990.