Ayre: Your support kept them going

Last year was a monumental one for the Hillsborough families following the outcome of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report. How has the mood changed since the report was published?

I guess at the time of it being published, there were a lot of mixed emotions - there was a lot of anger at the findings themselves, but at the same time some relief that finally the truth had started to come out. There was obviously then a process of unravelling all of that and understanding all of what had been found by the panel. There was jubilation and people very happy at the fact the inquests were quashed. I guess right now, it's one of continued pride in the fact there has been a lot achieved for the families but there's still a long way to go and let's just hope the authorities can do that as swiftly as possible to give them some peace.

Does the club remain as committed as ever to finding justice for the 96?

Yes, I think that goes without saying. Our role at the club right from the event itself has always been to be supportive - supportive of the families, supportive of the fans and supportive of the process. That continues and will always continue. As far as the families are concerned, we're always there for them.

As it does every year, on April 15 Anfield will host a memorial service in remembrance of the 96. How do you think this year will differ from previous memorial services?

I guess there's a little bit more relief in the air this year - I guess people really do believe that perhaps we're quite close to finding the justice that's deserved. Hopefully that will bring a bit less sadness, if that's possible, to the service itself, but also some relief and happiness that all of that great work, all of the striving and all of the effort that everybody involved put in is finally heading towards something significant. Hopefully that will make the mood that little bit better.

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Who will be attending the service on behalf of the club?

As is always the case, all of the team and the Academy. Anyone who is really connected with the club, staff and senior staff - and we'll have our owners over for the event this year. It's always important that people at the club show their support for everybody. I am sure everyone will do that on the day.

Finally Ian, the fans always turn out in strength to attend the memorial service. How important do you think their support has been over the years to the families?

I have spoken to Margaret [Aspinall] and some other members of the Hillsborough Family Support Group and some of the families themselves over many years, and it's the fans that really kept them going, I think. The support they've been shown across the world - not just in Liverpool but across the world by Liverpool fans and even fans of other clubs - has been vital. I know on the day of the service every year, the families feel that support and love and I am sure that has been a big strength to them throughout the years they've had to endure all the pain.