' The Ken Choo interview ' FAO ALL CARDIFF CITY FANS '

The Ken Choo interview: Cardiff City pledge fun, flags and fans zone as they look to improve match-day experience for supporters

23 SEP 2015

BY TERRY PHILLIPS

Bluebirds chief executive says club are determined to act quickly as they also consider drums, a brass band and new songs

We are listening to supporters, says Cardiff City chief executive Ken Choo


Choo is also making sure there is a warm welcome for City fans at the stadium. The doors will open at 12.30pm before Saturday’s game, allowing fans to have a drink and watch both Premier League and Championship football on the 160 televisions around the stadium.



Cardiff City chief executive Ken Choo has pledged to work closely with supporters in the quest to increase attendances and lift the atmosphere at home matches.

Malaysian Choo, who works closely with club owner Vincent Tan, was among more than 50 people who attended a fans’ meeting at Cardiff City Stadium this week – and the Bluebirds are determined to act quickly.




“We are listening to supporters,” said Choo. “We are looking at everything put forward and liaising with fans’ leaders to ensure progress is made.



“The intentions of all those who attended the meeting are good. We will work with them and look at all the ideas they want to put forward.”

There is no doubt the rebrand from blue to red certainly played a part in creating barriers between the club and Bluebirds faithful, but Choo is intent on forging closer relations, saying: “We want to work with the fans.”

Fans waving flags has proved a big hit in Europe, as seen here in CologneFans waving flags has proved a big hit in Europe, as seen here in Cologne

Cardiff City Supporters Club led the way in organising a midweek meeting, attended by all club heads of departments, with Vince Alm chairing the get-together.

And the club have already taken action on pre-match music.

The Bluebirds have launched an online jukebox on their official website with options for pop, rock and rap music. Fans can vote for their favourites.



“The inter-active jukebox asks fans which five songs they want to hear before kick-off and those with the most votes will be played,” said Choo. “City fans will select the play list.

“Supporters are keen to see immediate results and they have seen a little bit of progress already with the jukebox.”

Some supporters have questioned whether it was time for Men of Harlech to be taken off the pre-match list, but that is likely to stay. The song isn’t played as the teams run out, but will retain a place in the five.

Cardiff City can now choose pre-match musicCardiff City can now choose pre-match music
The club are right behind plans for new flags to be designed and made with former chairman and current director Steve Borley pledging £1,000 towards costs, matching an amount made available by the supporters club.

City have put forward a suggested design of their own, incorporating former legends Fred Keenor, Brian Clark, Andy Legg and Kevin McNaughton, and offered the services of their in-house designer to help fans.

“We have put forward a design simply as a gesture to supporters,” said Choo. “They can by all means select our design or pick one of their own. They make the decision.



“If they decide to go with their own idea then we will help by making our designer available tp help in any way.

“We all want flags or quality. We want them to be classy.”

City will take advice from fans on goal music by putting a straight yes/no poll on the club’s website, while they will investigate the feasibility of all ideas including drums, a brass band and new club songs.


Choo is also making sure there is a warm welcome for City fans at the stadium. The doors will open at 12.30pm before Saturday’s game, allowing fans to have a drink and watch both Premier League and Championship football on the 160 televisions around the stadium.



Cardiff City also plan to be showing historical Bluebirds goals and Academy football highlights, while a fan cam and tunnel cam will be in place.


The camera in the tunnel will allow supporters watching television to know the players are ready to go out and virtually all of those features look likely to be up and running for the visit from Charlton.

Choo says Cardiff players will continue to go out into the community to meet children and adults around Cardiff, the valleys and further afield.

“Over the last three years our club has been first or second nationwide in terms of community visits,” said Choo. “That record can scarcely be improved and we will strive to ensure we maintain high standards.”




City are also intent on making a fans zone available, but it will be inside rather than outside the stadium.

“It’s not right for our supporters to be outside if it’s raining,” said Choo. “We want a proper indoor area for them and we are working on that.



“If we are going to implement ideas we must make sure the quality is right. We have already talked in depth about what we can do and those discussions will continue until we have them spot on.

“It is right that the Cardiff City and Bluebirds fans work together for the good of our club.”

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

Correct Wez

The usual 15 plus of us will be staying in the Sand Martin as usual, cheaper drink,better food and 100% more comfort and relaxing.
I will be arriving at 245pm as usual

City can't believe that the fans will rush back with this statement.

We are acting like a franchise club and would not be out of place in America,we want football stadium with an atmosphere

Nash and stewards to treat fans better that would be a start

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

I was at the meeting in Monday and the price of pints was a key topic. The club stated that the current contract with compass, in regards to barrels, is ending this year and they are looking for alternative sellers to make prices cheaper. They said prices will come down next season.

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

Correct Wez

The usual 15 plus of us will be staying in the Sand Martin as usual, cheaper drink,better food and 100% more comfort and relaxing.
I will be arriving at 245pm as usual

City can't believe that the fans will rush back with this statement.

Wasn't intended to make fans rush back was it? It was to show cub was listening and trying to engaged fans or don't you think that was what statement was about? I guess putting in leather sofas handing out slippers and topless waitress's serving drinks will get some in early!

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

I was at the meeting in Monday and the price of pints was a key topic. The club stated that the current contract with compass, in regards to barrels, is ending this year and they are looking for alternative sellers to make prices cheaper. They said prices will come down next season.

I think if they done happy hour before the match they would get people before the match coming in

The Ken Choo interview: Cardiff City pledge fun, flags and fans zone as they look to improve match-day experience for supporters

23 SEP 2015

BY TERRY PHILLIPS

Bluebirds chief executive says club are determined to act quickly as they also consider drums, a brass band and new songs

We are listening to supporters, says Cardiff City chief executive Ken Choo


Choo is also making sure there is a warm welcome for City fans at the stadium. The doors will open at 12.30pm before Saturday’s game, allowing fans to have a drink and watch both Premier League and Championship football on the 160 televisions around the stadium.



Cardiff City chief executive Ken Choo has pledged to work closely with supporters in the quest to increase attendances and lift the atmosphere at home matches.

Malaysian Choo, who works closely with club owner Vincent Tan, was among more than 50 people who attended a fans’ meeting at Cardiff City Stadium this week – and the Bluebirds are determined to act quickly.




“We are listening to supporters,” said Choo. “We are looking at everything put forward and liaising with fans’ leaders to ensure progress is made.



“The intentions of all those who attended the meeting are good. We will work with them and look at all the ideas they want to put forward.”

There is no doubt the rebrand from blue to red certainly played a part in creating barriers between the club and Bluebirds faithful, but Choo is intent on forging closer relations, saying: “We want to work with the fans.”

Fans waving flags has proved a big hit in Europe, as seen here in CologneFans waving flags has proved a big hit in Europe, as seen here in Cologne

Cardiff City Supporters Club led the way in organising a midweek meeting, attended by all club heads of departments, with Vince Alm chairing the get-together.

And the club have already taken action on pre-match music.

The Bluebirds have launched an online jukebox on their official website with options for pop, rock and rap music. Fans can vote for their favourites.



“The inter-active jukebox asks fans which five songs they want to hear before kick-off and those with the most votes will be played,” said Choo. “City fans will select the play list.

“Supporters are keen to see immediate results and they have seen a little bit of progress already with the jukebox.”

Some supporters have questioned whether it was time for Men of Harlech to be taken off the pre-match list, but that is likely to stay. The song isn’t played as the teams run out, but will retain a place in the five.

Cardiff City can now choose pre-match musicCardiff City can now choose pre-match music
The club are right behind plans for new flags to be designed and made with former chairman and current director Steve Borley pledging £1,000 towards costs, matching an amount made available by the supporters club.

City have put forward a suggested design of their own, incorporating former legends Fred Keenor, Brian Clark, Andy Legg and Kevin McNaughton, and offered the services of their in-house designer to help fans.

“We have put forward a design simply as a gesture to supporters,” said Choo. “They can by all means select our design or pick one of their own. They make the decision.



“If they decide to go with their own idea then we will help by making our designer available tp help in any way.

“We all want flags or quality. We want them to be classy.”

City will take advice from fans on goal music by putting a straight yes/no poll on the club’s website, while they will investigate the feasibility of all ideas including drums, a brass band and new club songs.


Choo is also making sure there is a warm welcome for City fans at the stadium. The doors will open at 12.30pm before Saturday’s game, allowing fans to have a drink and watch both Premier League and Championship football on the 160 televisions around the stadium.



Cardiff City also plan to be showing historical Bluebirds goals and Academy football highlights, while a fan cam and tunnel cam will be in place.


The camera in the tunnel will allow supporters watching television to know the players are ready to go out and virtually all of those features look likely to be up and running for the visit from Charlton.

Choo says Cardiff players will continue to go out into the community to meet children and adults around Cardiff, the valleys and further afield.

“Over the last three years our club has been first or second nationwide in terms of community visits,” said Choo. “That record can scarcely be improved and we will strive to ensure we maintain high standards.”




City are also intent on making a fans zone available, but it will be inside rather than outside the stadium.

“It’s not right for our supporters to be outside if it’s raining,” said Choo. “We want a proper indoor area for them and we are working on that.



“If we are going to implement ideas we must make sure the quality is right. We have already talked in depth about what we can do and those discussions will continue until we have them spot on.

“It is right that the Cardiff City and Bluebirds fans work together for the good of our club.”

Good to see the club listening to supporters at long last! I wonder if Tan has any regrets about the disgusting way he treated the fans? Unfortunately it's come too late for many fans! It's a period of change now and we all should embrace it! Our support has become old fashioned and boring! New things should be introduced to make the match day experience a better one and we should all be supportive of it!

If Choo wants fans there then let me bring my family to the family stand, no matter what age they are, we are still family!

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

Correct Wez

The usual 15 plus of us will be staying in the Sand Martin as usual, cheaper drink,better food and 100% more comfort and relaxing.
I will be arriving at 245pm as usual

City can't believe that the fans will rush back with this statement.

Wasn't intended to make fans rush back was it? It was to show cub was listening and trying to engaged fans or don't you think that was what statement was about? I guess putting in leather sofas handing out slippers and topless waitress's serving drinks will get some in early!

Listening? Then lower prices for season ticket holders,change attitudes of Stewards etc,change ends and improve the football, that for me will be listening.
If I am wrong in what I have said,then the crowds will shoot up match after match

Ok Allan, let's see how many go in early??
Will you be?

I love cheering the team on and siinging and will continue to

I never renewed and can't afford to bring my kids at those prices,so we now go a few games
Club killed its own atmosphere

Last edited by grange_end1927 on Wed Sep 23, 2015 7:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

If Choo wants fans there then let me bring my family to the family stand, no matter what age they are, we are still family!

Why do you want to be in the Family Stand?

Listen to the fans ? Yeah right. My two suggestions is all that's needed
1/ Swap the Canton and Grange
2/ Make 116 a standing singing area
That's all that's needed so listen to that Choo

Listen to the fans ? Yeah right. My two suggestions is all that's needed
1/ Swap the Canton and Grange
2/ Make 116 a standing singing area
That's all that's needed so listen to that Choo

Nukes, I asked about this in advance, I was told a Big NO not even interested in discussing it.

FB

Hywel Tan Out Gronow I personally think it's a step in the right direction, the only thing that will make it better at the moment is if Tan leaves


Anthony Hughes And NO DRUMS.... nearly drove me from there last time Vince started banging them.


Kevin Roper Just another gimmic by the clubs clown , if they want to see the fans happy then they should have listened to us and gave us back our rightfull badge , i know lots of the stewards there and there nice people , just being forced to do what the club says...
i have seen incedents this year of some youngsters being targetted and thrown out for what we should be doing singing and creating the attmosphere , although i understand a lot of fans will welcome the new atmospere created by this new venture , i think left to sing and support our team with passion is where we should be looking at , how ever certain ppl in the club seem hell bent on you sitting down , saying nowt and politley clap now and then .

Kevin Roper Rant over .


Andrew Owen they fk me off to kev, childish wankers, just give us back what we are and were and always will be, cardiff city fans top or bottom loyal and true!! with or without tan the fking man

Annis - do the majority of us a huge favour and stop quoting those narcissistic fools off Faceless book.

I'm happy they are really trying to make an effort for us, even if it is out of sheer desperation for the damage they have caused.

Honestly though, who's guna stand in the ground and pay £3.50 a pint for 2.5 hours before the game when there are pubs in canton?

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

I was at the meeting in Monday and the price of pints was a key topic. The club stated that the current contract with compass, in regards to barrels, is ending this year and they are looking for alternative sellers to make prices cheaper. They said prices will come down next season.

I think if they done happy hour before the match they would get people before the match coming in

And that is what they want to do, that was spoken about hugely. They want people in the ground early and to drink there.

Two and a half hours stood freezing in the concourse drinking expensive lager from plastic glasses.
That'll do it Kenneth.


Swap ends.

I'm happy they are really trying to make an effort for us, even if it is out of sheer desperation for the damage they have caused.

Honestly though, who's guna stand in the ground and pay £3.50 a pint for 2.5 hours before the game when there are pubs in canton?

Try £4.00 a pint

Annis - do the majority of us a huge favour and stop quoting those narcissistic fools off Faceless book.

Just as I expected when clicked.

It's all getting a bit embarrassing

It's no good opening the bar s early unless the prices come down 2.50 a pint is decent enough if they could do it

Correct Wez

The usual 15 plus of us will be staying in the Sand Martin as usual, cheaper drink,better food and 100% more comfort and relaxing.
I will be arriving at 245pm as usual

City can't believe that the fans will rush back with this statement.

We are acting like a franchise club and would not be out of place in America,we want football stadium with an atmosphere

Nash and stewards to treat fans better that would be a start

I thought you could only drink in the Sand Martin if you also bought a meal ? If that's the case that's a hell of an expensive pint or two

The club was criticised for getting in this mess, quite rightly. Let's not dismiss these attempts to rectify the problem they now admit they created, arguably this is just as important to get right as the kit colour

Two and a half hours stood freezing in the concourse drinking expensive lager from plastic glasses.
That'll do it Kenneth.


Swap ends.

Exactly and it's tastes like piss.

:thumbright:

Annis - do the majority of us a huge favour and stop quoting those narcissistic fools off Faceless book.

Couldn't agree more!!

According to Tan we were customers. It can a long time for a business to build up it's customer base, but can be destroyed almost overnight if you treat your customers with contempt. Once you lose those customers, it takes even longer to regain their trust, and it will take time to undo the damage and get back to where we were. Hopefully, it will work out in the end.

Really like the idea of the tunnel cam, if that's going up on the big screens. Theoretically, feels like it would make the games feel like big matches.

Highlights of games from our past, before the game and at half time, sounds great too.

Listen to the fans ? Yeah right. My two suggestions is all that's needed
1/ Swap the Canton and Grange
2/ Make 116 a standing singing area
That's all that's needed so listen to that Choo

Nukes, I asked about this in advance, I was told a Big NO not even interested in discussing it.

All a waste of time then. As the Dragons would say "Im out !!"

1 adult and 11 year old anywhere for 250. Then ill renew.

Apparently Ken chop said If we all turn up and be good then he will sack Slade! gimmick after gimmick , the only thing to get fans into the ground is to run the club properly. No drums on the grangend , great atmosphere ! No flags in the grandstand , great atmosphere, no uptight stewards in the canton stand , great atmosphere, especially against Leeds , no humans in the bob bank that I could see , great atmosphere . Dear Ken just run the club properly . Ta