Charlie Adam ran towards the jubilant Stoke fans, pointed both hands to the sky and looked up, dropping to his knees as he celebrated scoring against Norwich.
His match-winner was the first goal he has scored since his father, Charlie senior, died in December, so it was fitting that it was the goal that took his side to the magical 40-point mark and, bar horrendous misfortune, Premier League safety.
It has been an incredibly tough season for the midfielder since a £5million transfer from Liverpool in the summer.
Points to the sky: Charlie Adam dedicates his goal to his late father, also Charlie, who died in December
Since that tragic event in December he has struggled for form, but he has started the last three games in a row, coinciding with two wins that have eased Stoke towards survival, and he is finding solace on the football pitch.
Adam said: ‘I’ve got a son of my own and you always look up to your dad. It’s one of those things when you lose somebody like that it’s an emotional time but for me the only chance of getting on with life is on the football pitch and I’ve managed to do that.
‘It’s been a tough time. At the end of the day it’s the first goal I’ve scored since I lost my dad. When you get on the pitch it gives you a lease of life. It’s just great to score a goal and when I’m on the pitch it’s always about him.’
Adam’s father, a former Dundee player, has always been a massive influence in his son’s career. It came as a huge shock when, aged 50, he was found hanged at his home.
The Scot said his father was watching over him when he ran on to Peter Crouch’s flicked header to score within a minute of the second half kicking off. ‘Hopefully there’s many more to come,’ he added afterwards.
Back on form: Adam struggled for form after the bereavement but has played well in the last three matches
Stoke were supportive of Adam, signed to be one of their key players, during the difficult period following his father’s death and everyone there is delighted he is returning to form.
‘Not just the club, I had great support from my family, my wife,’ he said. ‘That’s the important thing when you lose somebody so important you have the right people around you. This is a good football club. It’s got the right people there and the most important thing is it stays up in the Premier League. If we can do that in the next couple of weeks we’ll be delighted.’
Safety: Adam's goal meant Stoke passed the magical 40-poiny mark that should ensure they are in the division next season