Football was once famously described by the legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly as being more important than life or death.

And the importance of the beautiful game has now hit home to a Bantams’ fan in Australia, who is facing the dilemma of choosing between football and family.

Life-long supporter Andy Nichols, 27, wants to fly from Sydney for City’s Capital One Cup final against Swansea at Wembley ...and for his mother’s wedding in Bradford in June.

But he cannot afford both.

His mum Alison Page, 43, last night told the Telegraph & Argus how, while she would love her only son to be at her wedding to partner Mark Ineson, 36, she would be happy for him to miss the occasion to see Phil Parkinson’s men’s historic final on Sunday, February 24.

“He still hasn’t made his decision,” said the mum-of-one, of Clayton, who is due to get married at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, on Saturday, June 8.

“Obviously I know how much it means to him to go to Wembley but at the same time I’d love him to be at my wedding.

“He can’t afford the flights for both – the trip will cost £1,500 – so I have told him to do the City thing. I know how much of a big deal it is for City fans!”

Mr Nichols moved to Sydney, where he works as a project manager, after travelling around the world two years ago.

He had been a season ticket holder until his move Down Under, supporting City since he was about seven years old, going to games with his grandad Michael Page, 66.

Miss Page said: “He’s been watching the cup games on television at night in Australia and as soon as they got through to the final he spoke to his grandad and said ‘what am I going to do?’ “He then spoke to me. We speak most nights, but he hasn’t made a decision yet.

“His grandad’s bought him a ticket, so he has one waiting for him if he’s coming – if he doesn’t, he’ll give it to someone else.

“Bradford City is one of the things he misses most, so I know it’s a difficult decision for him.