Most liked posts in thread: Darby

Phil Parkinson added: “This is heart breaking news for Stephen and his family and the thoughts of everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club are very much with him and Steph.

“He is an outstanding professional and a fantastic person.

“He was simply magnificent during his time at Bradford and was a key figure in the resurgence of Bradford City as a football club.

“He typified everything the city and the football club represented and led by example on and off the pitch


Couldn’t agree more with Parkinson

 

I tell you what. I've never felt as saddened and upset about someone's illness outside my family and close friends. I never thought you could feel this way over someone you didn't know personally, and that's a huge tribute to a player who captured our hearts during his spell here

Life is not fair sometimes

 

I know he didn't spend 10 years with us, but what he achieved here in his 250+ games was more than most players achieve in their careers. Promotion, League Cup Final, Chelsea, Arsenal, Villa, Wigan, Sunderland.

We should give him a testimonial during next pre-season against Bolton with all monies to him or his chosen charity.

 

Know just what you mean Idle.
I've been out walking all day and don't do twitter etc.
So I've just found out about it.

Terrible news.
My thought's and prayers go out to Stephen and his family.

By the way, I'm 70 next month and thought I'd seen it all and done it all.
But I'm not ashamed to admit that there are tears running down my cheeks as I write this after reading the other posts.

Be brave Stephen,

CTID

 

Personally I think all this talk of a testimonial match is premature. While I think it is something we would all like to see happen we have to consider the Stephen Darby himself and what he wants. Didn't his statement yesterday ask for privacy while he makes adjustments? I think the last thing the lad needs at the moment is to be thrust into a stadium full of thousands of fans, however well intended.

 

Absolutely, it’s needs to be arranged and arranged quick.

I was morbid enough to look at life expectancy and it’s typically 2-5 years. The bloke is 29. Absolutely heartbreaking.

I was listening to Parkinson on the radio just now and he said he’s been training but had a nerve issue in his arm that has restricted him to gym work in the last month or so. And they’ve been waiting for a specialist appointment and he only got the diagnosis on Wednesday, less than a week ago.

Stephen epitomised everything that you ever want to see from someone in a Bradford City shirt, and a top bloke off the pitch too. Life is bloody cruel.

 

Awful news, he'll always be an immortal through his time here along with the rest of the history makers. Never left anything out on the pitch. Thinking of him and his family at this time.

 

What terrible news this is. This is an awfull disease at whatever age but to strike someone so young just shows the unfairness of life.
Best of luck to him I am sure he will fight it with the same determination and dignity he showed as captain of our club

 

Were all guilty of moaning at some time but every now and again things you encounter or hear in life puts things in perspective.This breaking story is one of those moments.

 

Legend

 

I've known 2 people (pals fathers) with this and tbh, I thought it only struck at middle age or older, it's far worse at 29. Club need to get a move on, no prevaricating, arrange a game, it'll be the most uplifting game the fans will see this season.

 

I've mentioned this before ................
I once told my Father 'There is something special' here ............. Div 1 (PL) here we come !!

Flashback to late October ......... "Not in my lifetime, Chris." My father said.
My Father passed away in the following January - Only for us to beat Wolves and actually do IT, come May.

That may not mean much to many - But I reckon my dear old Dad was just hanging on to see his book published.
He was an evening lecturer at Bradford College, and apprentices often asked which was the best 'Text Book'. ? There wasn't one ........... there were about eight in all - So my Father wrote all into one, based upon his own skillset.

YES - It was eventually published, and is still purchased by many a College.
And that is the mark of the man - He fought to the very last. I'm sure Stephen will, too.

 

Terrible news.

A true legend for our club.

I don’t think he had the send off he deserved when he left.

As mentioned, would be fantastic to have a preseason game against Bolton. A good occasion to selibrate is time with us. History maker

 

I do hope he is one that it doesn’t progress. I have felt like crying all day. I know life is unfair and I have personally felt the random way young ppl are taken from you. He is such a lovely lad and you just don’t anybody to suffer.

I support the idea of a testimonial. Let get this done.

 

Nice from Rafa.

 

Terrible news for Stephen and his family.
Always gave 100% and is a credit to his profession.

 

Absolutely awful news this.

Think everybody has pretty much summed up my thoughts.

Absolute pro, epitomised the desire and drive of the players whilst here and leading to our upturn in fortunes. Will never forget those clips of him after Chelsea with fans in the minibus...but that totally summed up the spirit between the players and fans at that time.

Think we should do something pre-season like a BCFC v BWFC game or BCFC v Stephen Darby's All Stars. Like somebody else said, he didn't really get the send off he deserved.

Thoughts go out to him, to Steph and the rest of his family.

 

Like Alzheimer - Motor Nurone can strike at any time ........... As easily as Flu, but on a lesser scale.
All we as fans can do is support them, and others, where we can.
Thank goodness I only have emphysema.
My thoughts go out to the millions more worse off than myself. I can and do try and adjust, but sometimes, your options are limited, or restricted.
One hopes the end will be today, at times - but equally, tomorrow brings further suffering, as well as those memories you don't want to lose.

 

Just regarding my 2-5 years comment, for some balance I saw this on the BBC comments so there may be a chance of a more favourable outcome.

 

Liverpool v Bradford City testimonial . Darby would love that.