http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... -31284578/Terry Phillips comment: Disgruntled fans at risk of missing big season in Cardiff City’s history:
VINCENT Tan is that rarest of Cardiff City owners – someone who has put money into the club and not taken a penny out.
Tan’s current investment is £40m-plus and he has pledged to make that £100m.
There is a seven per cent interest clause written into the deal and that’s not hidden.
It’s true the debt is rising because of that, but Tan says his money will be turned into shares once the Langston debt is sorted out.
The cry, of course, will go up ‘what if he doesn’t?’
But I would say there has to be an element of trust in a man willing to put his own money on the line with little chance of getting his cash back in full.
No matter what happens, Tan’s own money will still be with Cardiff City FC – and the way the 1MalaysiaCardiffCity grassroots football programme is being rolled out in the Far East surely underlines his commitment.
He is also pressing ahead with plans for the club to buy land and build their own training ground.
Those plans are advanced and three potential sites have been identified – two within the city boundaries as well as the Vale of Glamorgan Resort where owner Gerald Leeke has put down plans for six new pitches on 30 acres of land.
Manager Malky Mackay has declared himself happy with the money he has for team strengthening, while the value of his squad has risen thanks to the development of Joe Mason, Ben Turner and others.
Mackay has already spent £2m on young midfielder Jordon Mutch and goalkeeper Joe Lewis this summer with more to come to boost the Premier League bid.
Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy would love to return and help his hometown club to promotion, although his future will be decided by talks on Merseyside in the next few weeks.
Whether Bellamy comes back to the Bluebirds or not, Mackay is certain to bring in more quality before the end of August.
The big issue remains the debt still owed from £24m in loan notes issued by the Langston Corporation eight years ago.
Talks continue on the cost of putting that behind them with Langston representative Sam Hammam wanting his money up front.
Hammam says the £8m offered to be paid within 30 days is not enough.
Another two million might well tip the balance but those negotiations continue.
It’s apparent that until the last two years Tan had little interest in football, but he has been caught up in the chase for Premier League football.
The rebranding decision was the Malaysian’s idea and, while the majority of fans would far prefer their team to stay blue and have the Bluebird large and proud on the badge, many accept the terms that come with the Far East investment.
What is indisputable is that red will be City’s home colours next season.
The decision has been taken and the dragon will be on those shirts.
However, there will be more consultation on kit and badge before the 2013-14 season.
Those who demand a refund on their season tickets are more than entitled to have their say and may well get their money back... but I would insist they are risking missing out on a big season for City.
They will also lose their right to a price freeze and that will certainly hurt if Mackay takes the club into the Premier League.
Alan Whiteley, the club’s chief executive, did his best to appease fans at a meeting with supporters at the Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday night.
I’m told he did his best to answer questions apart from those which started: “What will Vincent Tan think if...”
The truth is, that in his heart, proud Welshman Whiteley would prefer Cardiff to play in blue at home.
But the club is losing money and the only man offering major financial backing to take them forward is Tan.