His arrival at the CCS is undoubtedly one of the transfer coups of the year, even topping Calamity James's move to Bristol City. If I'm honest I never ever thought the club would get their man, but as the weeks went by and Man City announced their Premier League squad, the rumour mill whirred back into action and the 'Bellamy rumour' had gained a few more legs. The talk of the town last Tuesday was that 'he's signed on a season long loan', so the message boards stepped up a gear, text messages flew back and forth, and if I'm honest, I never got much work done that day.
So to the much anticipated debut against Doncaster Rovers. I generally look forward to all Cardiff City home games, but with this one, I couldn't wait. A bumper crowd, and unforgettable atmosphere, the local boy coming home and a potent attacking line up. These were the ingredients of Bellamy's Cardiff City fairytale being told in front of us. The fitting tribute to Brian Clark justifiably added to the poignancy of the occasion too.
Doncaster started brightly with Brian Stock pulling the strings for them. He was linking up well with Simon Gillett and both were soon carving out some nice chances. The threat of Doncaster gatecrashing the party looked palpable. But Bellamy was showing his class on the left wing. Linking up nicely on a few occasions with Drinkwater and Olofinjana, it was inevitable that goals were on their way. And they were. Bothroyd's goal sealed an even first half. Even Lee Naylor's reluctance to do the Ayatollah added some humour to the proceedings. After someone showed him what to do, Naylor obliged with a brief rendition to the cheers of the crowd.
It's safe to say that we ran away with the second half. Apart from a Doncaster effort skirting our cross bar, I can't really remember a threatening shot on goal. When they brought on ex Bristol City man Steve Brooker with ten minutes to go, they'd basically thrown in the towel.
Just after the hour mark it was all the B's. Burke, Bothroyd and Bellamy. Bothroyd's comfortable header for the 2nd, Burke slotting away a 60 yard Bellamy assist for 3, and then the icing on the cake. Bellamy's own contribution to his party - a 30 yard Premier League class free kick that had Neil Sullivan scrambling - was pure Roy Of The Rovers.
Not even the walk home in the pouring rain dampened any spirits. A dream debut, a clean sheet, a party unspoiled, and some passing neat.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Championship is just three weeks old, so it's time to stay grounded. But I don't blame anybody who wants to tip us for promotion. Good times are ahead.
