Who said what. Quotes from the day.

Last updated : 27 May 2003 By Michael Morris

"To do it in front of so many of our own fans was brilliant and they deserve it. They were out of this world and have been for ages. But today, whenever we were feeling a bit tired, those fans would sing another song and it would get us going again. It did lift us. They played a really important part."

"It was absolutely unbelievable day from start to finish, and when I had that trophy I couldn't be prouder."
Graham Kavanagh.



"It's got to be my most important goal. Not many people get to score in finals. It's a massive result and the support we've had shows what this club can do.

"The boss told me to get score when I was getting ready to go on - but then he always says that! I thought it was going to go to penalties, but when the ball came through I wanted to take a touch. But I took the shot and I was delighted to see it go in. I didn't think it was offside. Thankfully it was not."
Andy Campbell.



"I've taken two clubs into the top flight and the one ambition I've got is to take a third there. Not too many managers have done that.

"Who knows? We could be back at this Stadium next year, but this time on the Monday. It's been a great day, not a classic football match. QPR gave it everything and we just shaded it. We're in the First Division and we've got to kick on from there."
Lennie Lawrence.



"It's a wonderful feeling. It's not everyday you get to the First Division and it ranks up there with the top spots of my career.

"It seems quite frustrating because we could have done it earlier, but this was probably the best way to go up. The players have said if we could have guaranteed to go up this way then we would have chosen it above automatic promotion."
Andy Legg.



"If we get the stadium, the financial institutions will give us the money we need to take Cardiff City to the very top. I think we are going to get the answer in the summer and it is so important the answer is "yes" because of the income the stadium will generate.

"If that happens, Cardiff will one day not only be in the Premier League but in the higher echelons of the Premier League and Champions League. There can be no doubt that the nation of Wales deserves, and has the ability to have, a top-notch Premiership club. But I must make it clear that we have no ambition to reach the Premier League - that is only a step.

"We have the fan base to be in the Champions League and take on any club in Europe. That is the only place which Welsh people will accept. As it is today we are a Second Division team but, as a club, we are a top Premiership club. Cardiff is an institution.

"We have only done three years out of 20 to take Cardiff City where it should be. But I have a deep sense of purpose because Cardiff City is more than a club - it is about the Welsh nation.

"That's why I will not sell (Danny) Gabbidon or (Robert) Earnshaw. They are owned by the Welsh people and when they play for Cardiff they are on national duty."
Sam Hammam.



"My heart goes out to the QPR players. I do feel sorry for them, especially as they finished above us in Division Two. We were the team lucky enough to score the winner."

"Our defence has been superb in the last few games. Everyone - in defence, midfield and up front - defended superbly and that's what got us through."
Daniel Gabbidon.



"Without a shadow of a doubt it's my best day in football."
Neil Alexander.



"I'm really looking forward to next year and getting back in the First. I will get the chance to visit a few of my old clubs like Derby and Norwich so I can't wait.

"I'm not going anywhere, I'm enjoying it here and I really believe we've got the players to take this on another step. We will probably bring a few more players in over the summer, but we've got some great youngsters here and hopefully a few of the older players can play a part in bringing them on."

"The potential here is so great and although the chairman has said the most important thing was the new stadium rather than us going up, I don't think he really means that. There's no point having a First Division stadium if we're not playing First Division football."
Spencer Prior.



"It was a good game but the referee gave every free-kick they wanted.

"There were one or two Cardiff players rolling around but it's an emotional day and there were two fantastic teams out there. I'm disappointed for the lads. We were possibly the better team without scoring. We carved out some very good opportunities in the second half.

"But they can take off Robert Earnshaw - who we kept very quiet - and put on Andy Campbell. That shows their strength. It was strange that Campbell got the goal because I felt that it was going to be Andy Thomson's day.

"He's a difficult season with injury and I thought he might have just got us a goal. But I only feel pride at the performance. I do not feel we deserved it but I accept it. It's my job to get us better and stronger and that's what I intend to do.

"I just hope that people will invest in this tremendous football club. I think we are a monster club and we've just got to keep it going."
Rangers boss Ian Holloway.



"From where I was I thought the goal looked a little bit offside and I have to say the officials disappointed me. It was a neutral game but it felt like we were playing away with some of the decisions the referee made.

"I don't want to be a bad loser but that's how I feel."
Rangers player Kevin Gallen.



"I was fed up to go off with cramp and it was painful, but I couldn't feel a thing once that whistle blew. It is a fantastic feeling.

"All credit to Queens Park Rangers because they were tremendous, but it was our day.

"This is why I came to Cardiff City. This is what the club is capable of achieving - and we haven't finished yet. The fans have been fantastic - and must share in our success.

"I'm delighted, too, for Andy Campbell because he's stayed patient and kept himself sharp while he has been waiting for his chances.

"It must have been difficult waiting in the wings, but he has seized the opportunity."
Rhys Weston.



"Cardiff winning promotion is fantastic news. We stayed in touch with what was happening at the Millennium Stadium and everyone here is delighted with the outcome.
Mark Hughes.