TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known and popular Bradford City supporter who died suddenly earlier this month.

Tony Cunningham, who was 46, died at his Eccleshill home on Saturday, December 8, following an as-yet-undiagnosed medical condition.

Since Tony’s sudden death, scores of tributes have been left on social media by those who knew him, including many messages from within the Bradford City community.

Tony was well-know at the club and was a driving force behind the London branch of the Bradford City supporters club in the 1990s. Tony had attended a fundraising dinner for dementia – organised by former Bradford City Chief Operating Officer James Mason – just hours before his sudden death.

Tony had an early passion for football, supporting first Manchester United but soon he found the Bradford City club and he spent every Saturday afternoon down there supporting his club. He was just 13 when he witnessed first hand the Bradford City Fire and his sister Helen recalls how the family worried when he hadn’t arrived home. When he did walk in the door, he was visibly shocked by what had occurred. His love for Bradford City grew and for football and he played for his school, St Francis Primary on Myers Lane.

Tony took his sons Charlie and George to City games and they too developed a passion for the club, which Tony was very proud of. He was known in the North Parade circle as ‘Tony wi’t kids’ as he combined his dutiful father role with having a pre-match pint with his friends, the subsequent match and then after match drinks too! He was a well-known face to many at the City games and he and his two sons, as season ticket holders, continued to travel around to support them.

Community answers

Tony Cunningham Book of Condolence

"Leave your messages of condolence for Bradford City fan Tony Cunningham who has died."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Tony an outstanding man and brilliant City fan. Sadly missed but never forgotten. Will always think of you every time I go to City

From Ken Walton

What is your response?I have known Emma Tony’s partner for many years and love her dearly. It is so sad that Tony ha left her but her family and friends will give support to her. I had not met Tony but having read the tributes especially from Less Hall I feel deprived as I am sure we would have got on. Rest in Peace Tony.

From Philip Greenwood

What is your response?So sorry to hear the shocking news. I first met Tony when he was in London and spent many a happy hour in his company. I could say a lot about him, but simply he was a lovely lad who will be missed.

From Community contributor

What is your response?God bless you brother. Xx

From Community contributor

What is your response?So very sad. Went to St Bedes with Tony and always remember the fun we all had on our school holiday to Benidorm in 1985. My sincere condolences to His family and friends. Rest in peace

From Community contributor

What is your response?We lived next door to Tony and Becca, Molly, Charlie, George,for 7 years we had lovely garden party's. We bumped into Tony many times when we moved. Sorry for the lost of such a young age man who lived his life to the full.xx😉🍺🍺🍺🍺🍸🍺

From Craig Windram

What is your response?I only knew Tony through one of his closest friends who I had worked with in The Middle East but each time I have travelled over to Yorkshire from Manchester Tony was invariably available to join us for beers and subsequent curry. Even as Man United season ticket holders my son and myself went to a couple of Bradford games with Tony and his lads and had a really good time. I always found him a warm and welcoming lad and I am happy to say I had the chance to spend time in his company. R.I.P mate you were one of the good guys.

His son Charlie has recalled that his dad believed they would not go down this season and they would go to the Bantams bar for a drink and some pie and peas and gravy! Tony was incredibly positive about City. He was known for his optimistic, ‘glass half full’ approach.

"We could be three-nil down at half time, and in a seemingly hopeless situation, and Tony would proclaim that he had ‘seen some positives’ and that in his opinion, we were still in this, often adding that it ‘takes only one goal’ to turn things around," his brother Matthew recalled. "In fact, in all his time supporting City, it’s only this season that his optimism has waned slightly, but he was of course still confident we would avoid relegation!"

Tony was born in Bradford and spent time living in London before moving to Christchurch, New Zealand, for over ten years. He is survived by three young children, as well as his partner Emma, twin sister Katherine and siblings Helen and Matthew – as well as eight nephews and nieces.

A requiem mass will take place for Tony at St Francis RC church, Norman Lane, Eccleshill, at 9.30am on Friday, January 4, followed by a committal at Charlestown Cemetery, Baildon. The family then invite everyone who knew and loved Tony to join them for an epic celebration of his life at the new Salt Beer Factory (part of The Hop) in Saltaire from 11.30am.