Cardiff plans to welcome back FA Cup heroes

Plans are underway to welcome Cardiff City home to Wales in style following the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Fingers are crossed tightly throughout Cardiff for the Bluebirds to repeat their historic feat of 1927 and bring world football's most famous club trophy back to Cardiff and should they prevail, the capital will be ready to celebrate with manager Dave Jones and his team.

Following the big day at Wembley on Saturday May 17 when City take on Premiership Portsmouth, Cardiff Council in partnership with the club and South Wales Police, has arranged for a victory bus tour through the city on Sunday May 18 should the team triumph.

To celebrate the achievements of the team, Cardiff residents and City fans will have the chance to see the famous trophy and welcome the players home as they ride around the city on an open-top double-decker bus.

The tour will begin at Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay at 2.30pm when two blue and white decked buses, one carrying the players, the other their wives and families, will make their way through the city.

The tour will head for the city centre along Lloyd George Avenue, Callaghan Square and up through St Mary Street and High Street, Duke Street, Kingsway, Boulevard de Nantes and concluding at City Hall.

There will be no full road closures but a rolling road closure will be in place and the buses will be escorted by police vehicles. Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Gill Bird, will accompany the team on their bus tour throughout the city.

Win or lose, Cardiff will be ready to welcome City back home on Sunday. If the Bluebirds should miss out, fans and residents will still have the chance to see and thank the team for their tremendous achievements this season with a celebration in Roald Dahl Plass at 2.30pm.

Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Gill Bird, said: "We are all hoping and keep our fingers crossed that the Bluebirds win on Saturday.

"It would be such a tremendous achievement. I know that the people of Cardiff will want to thank the city players for ending the 81 years drought and bringing the FA Cup back here.

"This is the chance for all fans and residents to see the cup and the team. I'm sure the atmosphere will be wonderful."