IT IS just over three years since Stephen Darby delivered the bombshell that he had motor neurone disease.

“He is an outstanding professional and a fantastic person,” said Phil Parkinson, encapsulating the shock that surrounded City and the whole of football when the news was made public.

“Stephen 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."

Darby turned 33 on Wednesday and the fight with this deadly, debilitating disease goes on.

“Row for Rob” this week by rugby league stars rowing the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in aid of fellow sufferer Rob Burrow was the latest fund-raising venture in the never-ending search for a cure.

The continuing courage and determination of Darby, Burrow and others struck down by this evil condition remains an inspiration to us all.

It is hard to even contemplate the daily battle facing every MND sufferer and those closest to them.

Darby has always vowed to combat the disease in the same way that he faced any opponent on the pitch.

That willingness to give everything for the cause summed up his five years and 239 appearances for the Bantams. It’s why there is such a strong bond with the Valley Parade faithful.

Darby was always one of the first names on Parkinson’s team sheet but was never one to seek the limelight. The phrase “unsung hero” was made for him.

But to mark his birthday, here are three special occasions when he was very much to the fore.

THAT GOAL

A fortunate 4,178 fans could truly say “I was there” when Darby broke his scoring duck for City.

That rainy September night in 2012 would mark his only goal with the club – but typically it was a decisive strike.

City looked to be heading out of the Capital One Cup at the third-round stage as Parkinson’s gamble to rest half his starting line-up backfired.

Visitors Burton were two up and in control when the Bantams boss called for his cavalry on the hour and brought on strike duo James Hanson and Nahki Wells.

The changes paid off as Wells struck twice in the final seven minutes to force extra-time – and step forward Darby.

With penalties looming, the right back took matters into his own hands and sent a skidding drive past keeper Stuart Tomlinson from 30 yards.

It was a stunning way to seal the comeback – and kept the Bantams moving merrily along the road that would ultimately lead to one of the most improbable Wembley appearances ever witnessed.

THAT GAME

Darby was a fixture in the side that made club history in 2012-2013 – and remained just as influential in the FA Cup exploits that would follow two seasons later. His performance at Stamford Bridge in January 2015 was as immense as those around him.

Jose Mourinho rotated Loic Remy and a pretty unknown Egyptian called Mo Salah on the wings to keep Darby and James Meredith busy.

Then, when City’s comeback was in full effect after equalising goals from Jon Stead and Filipe Morais, the Special One turned to Edin Hazard.

It made no difference as Darby and the Bantams backline repelled frantic late Chelsea pressure following Andy Halliday’s third goal.

When Mark Yeates put the seal on things with a stoppage-time fourth, the party could begin.

Mourinho came into the away dressing room to pay tribute to the City underdogs – but Darby missed out along with Halliday because they had been pulled away for TV interviews with the BBC.

Darby, though, certainly got into the swing of the celebrations later – and was filmed boarding a bus full of fans for a singalong at a motorway services.

THAT TRIBUTE

Valley Parade was packed to the rafters in July 2019 for a friendly with a difference – as the Bantams played host to European champions Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded Reds came to BD8 for a match in aid of Darby and the MND foundation he had set up with close friend Chris Rimmer, who has also been hard hit by the condition.

A 24,343 attendance figure in pre-season is unheard of but showed the depth of feeling and love towards Darby, who began his career at Anfield and remains a lifelong Liverpool fan.

As well as the gate receipts from the game which Liverpool won 3-1, their skipper James Milner handed over a £30,000 cheque on behalf of his foundation.

Darby and Rimmer, an army veteran who had been confined to a wheelchair, took to the pitch in emotional scenes before the game.

Darby told the fans to rapturous applause: “In my five years here, I am pretty sure the two words ‘Darby’ and ‘attack’ were not mentioned too often.

“But attacking this disease is exactly what we are going to do.”