PREM PARTY FOR BLUEBIRDS
... but Swansea’s relegation confirmed
ASEA of blue filled the streets of the capital yesterday as fans turned out in their thousands to celebrate Cardiff City’s promotion to the Premier League.
With the sun shining well into the afternoon, throngs of loyal supporters made it a day to remember after coming into touching distance of their idols during the celebration parade.
Kicking off at Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff’s winning side took to the top of a double-decker bus adorned with the words “We are Premier League” for a glory lap of the city before ending in front of the castle.
For many fans, the parade came exactly one week after they flooded the pitch following the Bluebirds’ draw with Reading.
One of the first to get a view of the bus was super-fan Lucas Keepin, six. The day marked a full circle for him – he walked out as a team mascot during the side’s first home game of the season against Aston Villa.
Lucas’ dad Jason, from Mountain Ash, said: “This time last week the atmosphere was a bit nervous but when we heard Birmingham were in front it was great.
“We went straight on to the pitch, Lucas was on my shoulders.”
Season ticket holders William Bishop, from Blackwood, and Dick Edwards, from Penarth, have spent years sitting at matches side by side.
William, 72, said: “It was awesome, fantastic. It was nailbiting but it was more satisfying than the last promo-
tion, in the way we did it.”
Dick, 80, and a fan for 66 years, added: “There was a lot of genuine affection for owner Vincent Tan this time. Last time there was a bit of animosity. Now it will be about consolidation, since we won’t be spending daft money.”
Waving to fans from atop their blue double-decker bus, Cardiff’s stars were greeted with chant after chant of “We’re going up” as families leaned out of second-storey windows.
Making the most of the day, players, including Sol Bamba and Sean Morrison, were also seen letting their hair down after being spotted dancing and showing off the trophy one more time to the chorus of “Neil Warnock’s barmy army”.
After travelling alongside the bus down Leckwith Road and Cowbridge Road East, crowds marked the grand finale outside Cardiff Castle with flags, paper and drinks thrown in the air as fireworks erupted above. Bowing to growing pressure from the fans, the day culminated in Scotsman Callum Paterson unleashing his signature dance moves while thousands congratulated Neil Etheridge on the news of his engagement.
Bluebirds fan Natasha Murphy, from Cardiff, said: “My son Dylan is autistic and the only thing he cares about is Cardiff City. For him to come here and experience it and see his idols is the best thing that could happen. He was two last time.”
Attending the celebrations with his four-year-old daughter, long-term fan David Sweet said: “Today it’s all about being together with family and friends. We’ve all got work tomorrow but it’s just about enjoying today and making the most of it.”
Manager Neil Warnock addressed the Cardiff faithful in front of the castle. The Yorkshireman only spoke for about six minutes – but in that time he managed to sum up everything special about the Bluebirds this season in his own inimitable way.
Coming out to loud cheers and fireworks, the Bluebirds gaffer was in his element – playing up to the crowd from the start.
“Quiet, be quiet,” joked the 69-yearold to the raucous crowd. “Shut up you!
“Can we just say what a fabulous day you’ve made it for all of us. We really appreciate your turnout.
“I had a word with him upstairs to make sure the weather was good for you. It just shows how far we’ve come.
“Mehmet Dalman sends his regards as he’s had to fly back home. He’s been instrumental to what we’ve done this season. I’d like to thank Mehmet from my point of view.
“And the players too, here’s an example of their commitment.
“Marko [Grujic] flew in from Serbia today just for this and is going out tomorrow. That epitomises everything about the team spirit we’ve got.
“Not one of you lot thought we’d get promotion at the start of this season.
“And there will not be many that thinks we’ll survive next year either. So just keep it to yourselves!
“What I would like to say, lads, is I’ve got my eighth promotion but I’ve never been in Europe yet! So how many will say, ‘no chance’!
“It’s a great, great feeling. All the lads have had to put up with a few rollickings throughout the season. We’ve been kicked up and down, written off many times and we’ve come back and surprised everyone in the league.
“I’ve got to say a massive thank you to these guys behind me.”
Warnock turned the attention of his humour to his players, saying: “I don’t know where he is, but I see one guy wearing Joe Ralls on his back so I just want to thank him for coming!
“We’re going to have a good summer, we’re going to work hard, bring other lads into the club...”
Warnock lost his train of thought when the fan wearing Ralls on his back was brought to his attention, quipping: “He’s over there, Joe!”
He then turned serious for a second – paying tribute to the families of the squad: “We just want to say that, all the lads here, when we say about being important, all our families are here with us today.
“Without the families, we couldn’t do this – not 10 months of the year.
“I’d like to thank my wife Sharon and Amy, William and James who are here today.”
Warnock’s wife Sharon has battled breast cancer and struggled with the debilitating condition lymphoedema.
And the Cardiff fans know that – spontaneously bursting into a chant of “One Sharon Warnock”.
“She’ll be signing autographs soon!” he remarked.
Warnock then told fans: “I tell you now, you are going to be our 12th man. That Reading game last week – I have never heard a crowd as noisy!
The Cardiff boss then took a moment to congratulate the Cardiff Blues, who train at the Vale of Glamorgan with the Bluebirds, and coach Danny Wilson on their Challenge Cup triumph on Friday night.
“What a weekend for Danny and his boys! Just showed what spirit they’ve got in the camp.”
Warnock added: “We’re going to give it our best shot next year, make no mistake. All you lot have got to help us from the start.
“Thanks everybody and see you next year.”