Bellamy proud as Bluebirds soar

Cardiff forward Craig Bellamy struggled to put into words his feelings from the moment when his boyhood club clinched their long-awaited return to the top flight.

The former Newcastle attacker, back with the club he grew up supporting on the terraces of Ninian Park, fell to his knees, overcome with emotion, when the final whistle blew against Charlton on Tuesday night.

That goalless draw meant the end of their 51-year exile from the top tier and long-time supporter Bellamy explained just what it meant to him and his father to be part of a Cardiff promotion-winning side. "You can't describe it," the 33-year-old said.

"When I saw the referee wave the linesmen over because of what was about to happen it was some feeling.

"I dropped to my knees because I was exhausted and because of utter relief. You can't explain it. I'm just so grateful to have played a small part at this club on a momentous day.

"It was emotional, especially to have people I truly love around me as well and to share this with me.

"To see my dad after it and all the heartache he has gone through watching Cardiff City over the years.

"I lost count of the amount of games we went to on a wet Tuesday night and he'd pull me aside and leave with 10 minutes to go and he'd say we were never going back.

"The following Saturday we'd be there again and for him to see that and for his son to play a part makes it even more special and that hit home to me as well.

"He said he would die a happy man."