Bolton Wanderers fans will clap in honour of 5-year-old fan

Plans have been made to applaud the young supporter in the fifth minute of the game against Fleetwood, after she tragically died following an asthma attack which stopped her heart on August 9.

Her dad, Brandon Gilford, from Horwich, described her as a ‘typical girl’ who has supported the club at more than a dozen home games.

He said: “She was always happy and loved her brothers and sister, and did everything with her big brother, seven-year-old Oliver.

“It’s not really sunk in yet, we’re just still in shock and nothing is the same, everything has changed.

“They don’t all understand but Oliver misses her loads.”

Aria suffered with asthma and was in and out of hospital.

She attended Sharples Primary School.

The little girl loved Wanderers' mascot Loft the Lion and had met him once at a signing.

Brandon said: “She only just started getting into football and loved Lofty more than anything else.

“When he used to walk past she would wave at him, and then she loved going for a massive hot dog.

“She went to see Lofty but when she got close, she got scared and ran away.

“It was just that he was a big cuddly lion and she wanted to cuddle him too.”

Since Aria died, the family, including Aria’s mum Jamie Kirkby, have received support from strangers online who support the Wanderers, with the family planning to attend the game tomorrow.

Brandon said: “It’s nice to see that people come together, are saying kind words, and being supportive.

“It’s a good feeling and massive to have in a time like this people can come together even those who do not know us.

“It restores our faith in humanity.

“I just want to say that we miss her so much and all the family love her so much.”