AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
50 YEARS ON- GOING THE FULL CIRCLE
The Bradford Fire is one of a number of footballing tragedies which have had a major impact on football and society generally. I was reminded of the Bradford fire by the attendance at the Manchester City versus Leeds game, talking to Mrs Cherry, the wife of the late England captain Trevor Cherry and one of their sons, together with Leeds veterans Paul Reaney and Jerome Beckford. As a reminder the date of the fire, it was the last game of the season and was a celebration of promotion, after many years in the lower divisions. The other point is that a large sum of money was about to be spent the next day on improving the stadium, in order to bring the ground up to the safety levels expected of higher division clubs.
As is well known the fire spread rapidly (to put it no higher) in the old-fashioned wooden stand from a cavity below the main stand where a substantial amount of rubbish had lain for many years. Unfortunately, fifty-four people from Bradford died and two from Lincoln, in addition two hundred and sixty people were also injured, many regrettably with substantial burns from the fire. This spawned the now legendary burns units at the local hospital which has now attained worldwide fame.
This is particularly relevant in view of the recent fire in Switzerland when dozens of people were reported dead or injured and no doubt like the Bradford fire, there were a number of heroes. Fire remains a major hazard, often it’s dangers remain underestimated.
This initial focus of the article will focus on the heroism of Trevor Cherry (“Trevor”) and also on Terry Yorath (“Terry”) (his gallant assistant). This will be followed by the stadium problems more generally, particularly after big events.
What is less well known is that the football manager of Bradford at the time, the late Trevor Cherry of Leeds United and England fame, saved somebody’s life and no doubt helped others survive in the midst of the fire. Indeed, this commendation was made to me by his assistant Terry Yorath. Once, when Trevor, who regularly attended Manchester City games, was at a game I gently asked him about his gallant efforts. He humbly stated, “we did what we could” and would not discuss his efforts further. Trevor’s efforts have also been recognised by a prominent victim of the fire whose father and uncle unfortunately and regrettably died in the fire. The victim, then only a young man, was subsequently invited by Trevor to watch the Cup Final at his home near Huddersfield and also another match later that month. Similar rescue operations were made by the assistant manager, the redoubtable Terry Yorath. These have been recalled by his daughter, the famous and celebrated commentator Gabby Logan. In addition, many gallant rescue operations say were performed by supporters and the police. It should be said that much commendations are commonplace (and often not identified) at all disasters.
Terry, modestly and self-effacing when interviewed after the game was full of praise for Trevor but was careful not to mention his own efforts which I am sure should be praised. Personally, I have always admired those gestures and shared the disappointment of Trevor not playing in the European Cup Final against Bayern Munich in 1975, unlike Terry, on the flimsy excuse it was the manager’s explanation, Jimmy Armfield, that it was the last time Don Revie’s team would play together, but it could hardly be said that Frank Gray, a great player but hardly a regular in the Don Revie era. Happily, I can report Trevor was a star against Barcelona and against the might of Johann Cruyff and Neeskens.
It is no wonder that the appellation given to the manager that ‘the manager’s indecision was final’, no doubt one reason why he relegated Duncan Mackenzie to the bench.
This disappointment for me was compounded personally when just before Malcolm Allison was sacked in 1980 moves were afoot to sign Trevor for my club, Manchester City. Although a ‘blue’ I retain much affection for the Leeds players I knew and still know, and in particular the heroic efforts of Trevor which can be put in the same genius (but not quite as brave) as Harry Gregg at Munich. Trevor was definitely a quiet unsung hero, and so was Terry (who recently passed away). Both of them very much unsung heroes. I hasten to say they were both not that quiet on the pitch, particularly Terry, even if modest off the pitch.
Terry had a particularly tragic life when his son just about to sign for Leeds who died of a heart attack after a kick about with his father in the family garden.
The next season for Bradford was very difficult as they had to play at various venues such as Leeds United, Hallifax and Huddersfield. Before returning to Valley Parade, they played a number of games at Bradford’s rugby league ground at Odsal. It was a footballing miracle they survived which should be commended in no uncertain terms. As is well known, there have been football tragedies such as Hillsborough in more modern times, but I want to focus on the tragedies at venues, such as ‘pop concerts’ and other various meetings where large numbers are attending.
All professional stadiums where large numbers of people congregate it is my contention should regularly review their safety strategies particularly in the light of recent events. This is irrespective of cause such as fire and terrorism, both being hazardous but in different degrees.
Football grounds and other venues have tightened their security measures but mainly modestly (though increasing) given the numbers involved. At my club Manchester City a trained dog sniffs every car going but otherwise the checks are cursory.
Other issues need to be considered such as the availability of hospitals, the speed with which a rescue operation can be mounted and how the roads can be utilised more efficiently in this situation has not been fully addressed. This is greatly underestimated in the current climate.
As part of this I understand certain ambulances can and are adapted to enable doctors to perform in the limit, to perform lifesaving operations. This exercise should also cover the availability of all hospitals within a short distance of the venue and the speed with which rescue workers can be parachuted into the affected areas.
For large events this possibility can be more easily predicted unlike where relatively few people are, unfortunately, attending such as the celebration on Bondi Beach or at the synagogue in Manchester. The one good thing in such a difficult situation are the ‘unsung’ heroes amongst the crowd who are involved in rescuing people. However, more targeted research not only needs to be done to reduce the incidents at such events, but also the coordination of the rescue services. Coordination is the key in rescue services which until recently have been underscored.
This initial impetus for this article was the heroic efforts of everyone at the Bradford Fire and indeed all rescue situations, particularly later ones where the terrorism is present. This should lead to a major project by the government to focus on modern safety and law to mitigate tragedies and coordinate rescue opportunities. Fire remains a significant hazard.
However, the exercise should cover all areas where significant crowds attend. Such a report would show that the rescue efforts at tragedies were not in vain and indeed reduce the incidents at later tragedies. What is clear from this superficial analysis is a large scale coordinated exercise to address the problems of terrorism (and not forgetting fire) and the aftermath in order to minimise fatalities and serious injuries. Fire is never far as a potential danger, witness the tragedy over Christmas in Switzerland and referred to earlier. Terrorism and fire are never far from each other with all the uncertainties both bring.