Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Chris Day would be forgiven if he was feeling as blue as his hair.

But the truth is, even though the Walthamstow-born number one saw his dreams of Division One football shattered on Sunday, he knows he has a lot to be thankful for.

Since his days as a 14-year-old centre forward, Day's career has been a roller-coaster of highs and lows, the latest being Andy Campbell's 114th minute winner for Cardiff City which saw QPR fall at their final promotion hurdle.

But a humble Day refused to be down-beat, as the last two years have brought disappointment on a personal scale that cannot be matched.

Speaking to Guardian Sport, Day said: "A few of the lads had a little cry after the game and although I tried to, I couldn't as away from the play-offs I've seen other types of pain and in a way I was just pleased to be back."

The despair he talks of started in October 2001 when just three months after he had signed for the Super Hoops he suffered a double-fracture to his right leg and missed the rest of the season.

Having returned just three months ago, Day was unsure if he would win his spot back in the team: "I was worried I may not get my chance again. Nick Culkin came in and did well and although you want to be playing, you want the team to keep on winning so you don't want to upset the applecart. So I waited for my chance and went on loan to Aylesbury."

It was here that Day, a former student at Aveling Park School, fulfilled a lifelong dream: "When I was young, me and my mates couldn't afford to go and see Tottenham play, so we used to go and watch Leytonstone Ilford. Back then I was a centre forward so it was always my dream to play in the FA Trophy.

"Then, during my time at Aylesbury, I got my chance in front of a crowd of about 50 people, so it's nice to say I've done it. That's why I couldn't get too upset on Sunday. To think that five months ago I was playing in front of crowds like that and then at the weekend I was back in front of around 70,000 brought it home to me that I shouldn't be downhearted as personally I think I have done well."

So with personal satisfaction achieved, Day knows that it is time to re-focus on the Hoops' charge for Division One and he is sure that next year they will succeed: "Hopefully we can come back stronger. I've got to sort out a new contract for myself as my current one is up, but I'm more than happy to sign again as I love it at QPR.

"I was at Crystal Palace the year after they lost out on promotion in the final thanks to a last minute goal, and then the next year they won the play-offs, so it goes to show you can bounce back."

After having dealt with the dangers of the Cardiff strikers, Day must now deal with the hazards of chlorine as he and his eye-catching mohawk, dyed QPR blue as a testament to his passion for the Hoops, are going on a well deserved holiday: "I'm a bit worried about what might happen to it in the swimming pool with all the bleach. But it had to be done, that's what football is all about, It shows the fans that you're giving something back and it's good to see supporters at games who wear a suit and tie all week turning up with blue and white hair."

May 30, 2003 16:30