‘I noticed a small stand during my minutes later it

THIRTY-FIVE years on, John Helm still can’t watch footage of the devastating fire that swept through Bradford City’s main stand, killing 56 fans.

TV commentator Helm (right) had arrived at Valley Parade on a beautiful May afternoon to help record an afternoon of celebration.

Bradford City faced Lincoln City, with the hosts’ Third Division championship already secured.

But, in the space of four-and-ahalf minutes shortly before half-time, glory turned into tragedy when a small fire, first spotted by Helm and the Yorkshire TV cameras, grew into an inferno.

Tomorrow’s commemoration of a horrific day for football will be even more poignant because

Trevor Cherry – who, as playermanager, had guided the Yorkshire club to success, and as manager helped lead the healing process after the fire – died just 11 days ago.

Saturday, May 11, 1985 is a day forever etched in the minds of those who turned up at a football ground in party mood – only to leave in shock after witnessing one of the game’s biggest disasters.

“It was quite the worst day of my life, without question,” said Helm.

“The strange thing was that it was such a beautiful day – a day to enjoy and savour.

“The game had no bearing on anything save that Bradford City were being presented with the Third Division trophy after already finishing top. We wanted to be there to record that – and so thought we might as well make it the channel’s game for the weekend.”

Suddenly, as some fans started to make their way for refreshments in anticipation of the half-time whistle, Helm noticed a disturbing development in the stand opposite his camera position.

“During commentary, I noticed a small glow in the corner of the main stand,” explained Helm.

“I pressed a button to talk to our matchday director Peter Jones and I asked him to hone in just behind Stuart McCall, who was taking a throw-in.

“There appeared to be a small fire. If only somebody had put their