Cardiff celebrate promotion - and aim for Premier League

Cardiff have been playing in the third tier this season for the first time since 2003 [Huw Evans Picture Agency] It is a year and a day since Cardiff City held their player of the season awards ceremony just a few hours after their relegation from the Championship was confirmed. Given how acrimonious a campaign it had been – on and off the field – it is fair to say the timing of the event did not go down well with supporters. Twelve months on, they were readier to salute their team, who had wrapped up League One promotion with three games to spare, securing an instant return to the second tier.

So, to host this season's awards on Saturday, the evening of their final home fixture of the season, it is fair to say the timing felt a little more appropriate. This was a day of celebration - a carnival atmosphere at a sun-soaked Cardiff City Stadium, a 5-1 victory and a trophy presentation in front of jubilant fans who had streamed on to the pitch at the final whistle. The match itself had been a procession.

Pressure off having already secured promotion, Cardiff dismantled already-relegated Northampton with the nonchalance of sixth formers taking on year seven new arrivals. "It was the perfect end to an amazing season," said head coach Brian Barry-Murphy. "To give the supporters so many goals and such a comprehensive victory was the perfect way to end our homecoming.

" Championship-bound Cardiff thrash woeful Northampton Latest Cardiff City news, analysis and fan views It was a swaggering performance, full of attacking verve and panache - even if their opponents offered feeble resistance. That didn't really matter. Cardiff have outplayed better teams this season, and they already have their sights set on doing the same to others in the Championship next term.