Hundreds gather at Macron Stadium to remember 33 people who died in Burnden Disaster 70 years on

Wanderers manager Neil Lennon and his playing staff led tributes as club chaplain Phil Mason conducted a service to a group of about 200 people which included survivors and relatives of the deceased.

They stood at the side of the pitch as Mr Mason (below) read out the names of fans killed at the game versus Stoke City. Wanderers legend John McGinlay was among those to lay wreaths next to a new memorial book which will be on permanent display at the stadium.

Mr Lennon, who also read the memories of a survivor of the disaster, said: “It’s a day that should never be forgotten.

“Bolton as a club is entrenched in the community, and it affected so many people’s lives.

“This is a club which is rich in history with real success, but this was a dark day and these people’s memories should never be forgotten.”

Asked if the anniversary had an effect on his team’s fightback against Ipswich Town, Mr Lennon (below) added: “We certainly got a performance, if not the result, so obviously it has an effect on everyone at the club, not just the players, but they played as strongly as they could.

“I was privy to a memorial service at Ibrox where 66 people lost their lives, and unfortunately these things happen. But with the way stadiums are built now, hopefully this will never happen again.”

During the service, it was revealed that plans are underway to erect a new plaque to honour the deceased near the Nat Lofthouse statue.

Among those at the service was Susan Basnett, who travelled from her home in Essex to pay tribute to two generations of her family who were killed in the disaster.

Her grandfather Richard Roby and his father Thomas Roby, who were from Billinge, Merseyside, both lost their lives.

Mrs Basnett said: “It means a lot to be here and for people to still remember them. It was a very moving service and it was great to see such a good turnout.”

Sylvia Hibbert (below), whose father William McKenzie died in the disaster months after being demobilised from the Army, was also present.

Her mother campaigned for a memorial to the deceased which led to a plaque being unveiled at Burnden Park by Nat Lofthouse in 1992.

Mrs Hibbert, who now lives in Cyprus, said her mother would be delighted with the plans for a new memorial.

She said: “Hopefully she has got her wish. If she would have been here today, she would have loved that he is still remembered. It means a lot that so many people turned up. I thought it would just be myself, the players and the chaplain. I think we have got closure eventually.”

Mourners also gathered on the steps of Bolton Town Hall yesterday to observe a two minutes silence.

Simon Marland, club historian, said: “It’s the club’s darkest day, it puts everything else into perspective.

“We all want to win games of football and be successful on the pitch, but something like that, you just stand back from and realise what is more important.”

Council chiefs who were present at the town hall vigil also paid tribute to those killed.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: “It is important we remember that while this was one of the darkest events in Bolton's history, the town faced it together and now we remember it together.”

Cllr Carole Swarbrick, the Mayor of Bolton, added: “70 years ago, 33 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured. We’d like to thank everyone who came to remember this terrible tragedy.”