By Andy Schooler, in Manchester

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Sprint favourite Darren Campbell has dedicated his gold relay medal to the people of Manchester for their “great” support during the Games.

The sprint ace was born in the city and subsequently received even greater support than his fellow English athletes.

And after striking gold with team-mates Jason Gardener, Allyn Condon and Marlon Devonish, the 28-year-old thanked the crowds for their effort.

“This medal's not for me,” he explained. “The bronze (in the 200m) was for me.

“This gold is for Manchester. They've put on a golden Commonwealth Games as far as I'm concerned.

“Everyone said it wouldn't be good, it's in Manchester, you won't get the support.

“But every athlete who stepped out there said it was such a special occasion. I'm just happy the selectors gave me the chance to come and compete here.

“When you've got guys like Linford Christie in the stands saying he wishes he'd had the chance to compete in such a great atmosphere, you know it's special. He's won everything there is to win but he's never competed in an atmosphere like that.

“That says it all for what Manchester has done.”

Campbell also came out in favour of the decision to rip up the track in the City of Manchester Stadium so it can be converted for sole football use.

“I think it's the best thing to do. Any other championship competition or other games would be expected to produce that kind of support and you can't unless you're running for pride. When you're running for financial gain it's totally different.”

Campbell, who now lives in south Wales, admitted he now felt “emotionally drained” and had not yet decided whether to compete in next week's European Championships.

“The atmosphere was so special here and now to go to the European Championships will be an anti-climax,” he admitted. “ I just want to go home and call it a day for the season.

“I didn't shed a tear tonight, I think I'm all cried out.”

He said he would “take a few days” before deciding whether to compete in Munich where he is due to run both the 100m, in which he is defending champion, and 200m.

But he added: “If I feel I can go there and do myself justice I will try to step on that plane one last time.”