Bradford City AFC is mourning the loss of former director, chairman and honorary life president Jack Tordoff OBE, who has passed away aged 86.
A proud Bradfordian and founder of the club’s main partner, JCT600 Ltd, Mr Tordoff first became officially affiliated with the Bantams as a director in November 1973, at 38 years old.
While he was a member of the board, City reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1976 and secured promotion back to Division Three a year later.
Having resigned in January 1978, Jack then renewed his involvement at Valley Parade alongside Stafford Heginbotham, as the pair guided City’s rescue from insolvency. He remained chairman, director and shareholder until 1990.
Tordoff played a major role in stabilising club affairs and its subsequent recovery, which culminated in winning the Division Three Championship in 1985.
As a serving director at the time of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster on 11th May 1985, he committed considerable efforts behind the scenes to again ensure the survival of professional football in Bradford, as well as the club's return to Valley Parade in a redeveloped stadium.
After his involvement at board level came to an end for the second time, Jack ensured JCT600 would continue to support the Bantams off the field, when they became the club’s main shirt sponsor in 1996.
A partnership with the Bradford-based car retailer - which continues to flourish after over 25 years - demonstrates Jack’s pride in his club which will always remain.
In honour of Jack’s legacy, the club will rename The Boardroom at the Utilita Energy Stadium ‘The Jack Tordoff Boardroom’ over the coming months, as well as hold a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off, when City take on Bristol Rovers on Saturday October 16.
Bradford City chief executive officer, Ryan 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 AFC, 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 Tordoff, when we host Bristol Rovers at Valley Parade on October 16.
The thoughts of all at Bradford City AFC are with Jack’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.