Promotion a highlight for one of Bluebirds’ oldest fans
SUNDAY was a great day for many Cardiff City fans – but for one man it was particularly special.
Reg Walton, 96, was in the crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium as the Bluebirds managed to clinch a spot in the Premier League.
The lifelong fan was a stalwart at Ninian Park and has been following the club for more than 80 years.
Reg, from Pentwyn, fell in love with the club after receiving free tickets as a schoolboy in the 1930s – and has remained a faithful follower in the decades since.
Up until now Reg had claimed the highlight of supporting his boyhood club over many years was watching Cardiff City win the Championship in 2013 to seal promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history.
But Reg told the Echo before the game Neil Warnock taking the current squad up would surpass even that – and Sunday’s jubilant scenes certainly lived up to their billing.
“I never miss a game and it exceeded all of my expectations,” said the lifelong fan after a 0-0 draw with Reading secured promotion.
“It wasn’t a great game – but they went up.
“The atmosphere was just wonderful – it was the best I have ever seen it.
“And then the fireworks started – I don’t think anyone expected that.”
The pensioner said it was also “wonderful” to see the fans running on to the pitch at the end of the game.
He spoke of how everyone was singing and dancing around him and he loved soaking up the atmosphere.
When asked if he would have liked to have run on to the pitch Reg chuckled and said: “I did it the last time but that was years ago – I wouldn’t even get down the steps now.
“I didn’t walk through the streets after the game because I can’t walk that far.
“We went for a meal afterwards and that was lovely – the atmosphere was terrific in town.”
Reg said he was worried all week ahead of the game in case the team didn’t quite make it.
He was relieved when the final whistle blew and they could all start celebrating.
The Bluebirds fan also spoke highly of Warnock, who he described as a “lovely” man.
But when it comes to the players, it’s easy to see that he has a favourite.
Reg said: “I like Sol Bamba – he’s terrific he is.
“He was made for the Premier League. The whole day was terrific.”