City's internationals make Sam proud

Last updated : 03 June 2004 By Michael Morris

AS Paul Parry led Wales to victory over Canada at the Racecourse, a grey-haired gentleman whose surname begins with "H" could be spotted by the directors' box with a huge smile of satisfaction written across his face.

No, this is not Mark Hughes I'm talking about. Even the grin of delight from the Wales manager was probably surpassed by the emotions being expressed by a certain Sam Hammam. The Cardiff City supremo watched with a mixture of pride and elation as five of his Bluebirds were capped in the game, the first time for the Ninian Park club since 1925.

Back then it was Harry Beadles, Willie Davies, Len Davies, Fred Keenor and Jack Nicholls, who played in a 3-1 Edinburgh defeat against Scotland. Roll on 79 years, and it was the turn of goal ace Parry, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and substitutes Robert Earnshaw and Martyn Margetson to each play some part in the 1-0 Wrexham triumph over Canada.

Just three days earlier in Norway, Parry, Gabbidon, Earnshaw and Collins had created another little bit of history - the first time four Bluebirds players had started a match for Wales since 1956.

"So in the space of 72 hours we're talking about going back to first 1956 and then 1927. That's some achievement," beamed Hammam.

"I've taken massive chances at Cardiff City. Coming here in the first place, subsequently taking a huge financial risk for myself, the club, the fans and everybody.

"But when you see what we witnessed in first Oslo, and then Wrexham, it gives you the extra will to keep on fighting.

"It made me so proud to be there at the Racecourse to watch so many of our players represent their country.

"It was a huge moment for me personally and a very important one for every single Cardiff City fan.
FULL STORY