Andy Campbell details Middlesbrough career low point that led to huge Cardiff City moment

Andy Campbell still looks back on his Middlesbrough exit with disappointment.

The boyhood Boro fan went from watching his club from the stands to scoring memorable goals against Sunderland and Manchester United and also helping Bryan Robson's side win promotion back to the Premier League. But when Robson left, Campbell didn't ever feel like he was given a fair opportunity by Steve McClaren.

That ultimately led to a loan move to Cardiff City which, after scoring six goals in five games, became a permanent move. It was hard to believe it at the time, as leaving his beloved Boro felt like such a lowpoint, but it ended up creating different highs for the striker as a Bluebird.

Speaking to Dr Tosh Warwick for the Boro match-day programme #UTB, Campbell said: "To play for my club in my town in front of all my friends and family was the best feeling ever! For me it was amazing each time I wore the red shirt and played in front of my own fans.

"I was sad when Bryan Robson left the club and felt I didn’t get a fair chance under new manager Steve McClaren. Leaving my hometown club was also a low point for me but obviously some great times followed in South Wales. My loan spell was great. Former Boro manager Lennie Lawrence made it happen.

"I scored a winner on my debut against Northampton Town and then two at Ninian Park against Blackpool. Soon after I scored a hat-trick in a 7-1 away win at Boundary Park against Oldham Athletic in a surreal game! I loved my time at Cardiff City – the fans and my teammates were amazing.

"I scored the winner in the Second Division Play-Off Final against QPR at the Millennium Stadium in 2003 and that goal meant we all got the opportunity to play in the First Division (Championship). It was the catalyst for some special times at the football club."

Having recently managed Middlesbrough Women before the merger with the football club, Campbell now serves as director of football at Thornaby FC. He still keeps a close eye on Boro though, and is looking forward to seeing his two former sides clash at the Riverside on Saturday afternoon.

Offering a prediction, he said: "I think it will be a tough task for Cardiff City to pick up any points at the Riverside so I am going for a 2-0 home win to Middlesbrough."

You can read the full, extended interview by Dr Tosh Warwick with Andy Campbell in the Boro match-day programme this weekend as the 45-year-old recalls many more memories from throughout his career.