THE football community has come together in an outpouring of sadness at the news that a key member of Bradford City's historic 2013 team has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

READ MORE: Stephen Darby diagnosed with motor neurone disease

Stephen Darby, who captained the side that made an unprecedented run to the League Cup Final at Wembley in 2013, has had to retire from football following the diagnosis.

Bradford City released a statement saying they would be offering full support to their former player, who married England captain Steph Houghton in the summer.

Described by many as a City legend, the 29-year-old right-back was ever-present across a five year period at the club, making 239 appearances and scoring one very important goal against Burton in the cup run to Wembley, while also securing promotion to League 1 in the same season.

He then moved onto Bolton Wanderers, who he last played for in December 2017, but eternally endeared himself to Bantams fans with no nonsense performances, a knack for being in the right place at the right time and a down-to-earth personality highlighted by footage that emerged of the player joining in with celebrations on a fan bus (below).

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Stephen Darby looks back on his time at Bantams

James Mason, former chief operating officer at Bradford City, hailed Darby as one of the greatest captains in the club’s history.

Mr Mason said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to work with Stephen. This is truly sad news for him, his wife and his family. 

“He was a true professional in every sense of the word. He was one of the most popular Bradford City players of all-time. 

"He never, ever missed a player appearance. He was always there without fail. He was a fully committed club man and had a wonderful career that he should be proud of."

Darby's genuine personality is a theme that was echoed throughout many tributes and was characteristic that stood out to fans and those who interacted with him.

READ MORE: Phil Parkinson's tribute to Stephen Darby

Steve Gorringe, Chairman of Shipley Bantams, met the right back when he attended one of the group's meetings, alongside Rory McArdle and said he was a total gent. 

He said: "I met his mum at a cup match against Aldershot. His family followed him all over. He'd just got married - he was just doing the normal things everyone does.

"But, that's not going to happen to Stephen now, it's a terrible terrible thing to happen. I'll always remember seeing him in his first game for us and thinking this lad has got something."

Mr Gorringe added: "Any other footballer, from Manchester City or Arsenal, you might see them in the street and they wouldn't stop and talk to you, but Stephen would. He was part of the Bantams family.

"Watching them walk onto the pitch at Wembley twice, it was a very proud moment for all of us and without Stephen it wouldn't have happened."

Much of the shock at the news comes from the fact that Darby has been described across the board as a model professional on and off the pitch - from the way he trained to his diet. 

But, according to the NHS, it is not known how Motor Neurone Disease begins, other than that cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones gradually stop working over time.

READ MORE: What is motor neurone disease?

Fans, friends, former colleagues and everyone inbetween came out on social media to show their sadness on hearing the news, but primarily they wanted to pay tribute to a career and man who was a model professional.

A number of former teammates came out to show their support, such as Dani Pacheco and Aaron Mclean.

Current Blackpool star, Jay Spearing, and former Bantam, Stephen Warnock both played with Darby at Liverpool youth team and gave their own touching tributes.

Mark Davis tweeted: "Leader. Warrior. Legend. Embodied everything that is good about #bcafc and carried himself with a quiet humility. Would have followed him into any battle. The very best of us. Thinking of you and yours, Captain."

Many paid specific tribute to Darby's unique ability for goalline clearances, as well as the well known "Stephen Darby baby" chant that used to ring out on the terraces to the tune of The Human League's, "Don't You Want Me."

Connor H said: "There aren't many right backs who have their own chant, but Stephen Darby did have in his time at Bradford City. That's how well regarded and important he was for the Bradford City team."

Paul Ward said: "Stephen epitomised everything our supporters want to see from a player representing our club; competitive, dedicated, honest, humble, skilful and a master of his own position.  

"There was only ever one person who could follow Gary Jones’ as skipper of our club and Stephen was that man."

He added: "As captain he helped raise the performance levels of those around him which led to him being awarded numerous player of the year awards in 2014, something of an anomaly from the unglamorous position of right back.  

"His catalogue of goal-line saving clearances showed his commitment to fight until the end and I’m sure he’ll use that strength of character in his fight the disease."

Editor of City Fanzine, The City Gent, Mike Harrison said: "I'm truly shocked at the news, it's just awful, a horrible disease and I wouldn't wish it on anybody. I wish him all the best."

He added: "He was part of the history team of 2012/13 and was loved by any City fan. The outpouring of wishes is not surprising."

Mr Harrison said Darby's request for privacy at this time is absolutely right.

He said: "It's a hell of a thing to get your head round. I totally respect that, but by whatever means possible I'd like him to know how much support there is for him."

Others have also touted the idea of raising money in support of Darby, and Mr Harrison suggested, when the time is right, getting together the 2013 "history makers" for a charity game. 

For more information on Motor Neurone Disease and support available visit: mndassociation.org/