"Fans staying away" - lets put this myth to bed

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Unfortunately big stadia doesn't equate to big crowds.
Our average is probably 12k with success it could double.
I agree with Wez the fan base got bigger, because of the FA cup final.
As far as fans dissapearing under Tan, our fan base went from 15k to 28k, that was under Tan .
The difference was we were in the Premier League .
We had plenty of people(won't call them fans) coming to them games . But once that season was over our gates dropped.
So 12-13k is our average until we have more success.
As far as 250k being on our data base, I would imagine 200k did it for one reason.
Back in the 50's most football clubs had big crowds, because there was very little else to do,life was very simplistic then.
Workingmans club, work and sport. Work rest and play .

That's Ninian Park attendances, totally different ball game.

Now show from 2007 until 2016 including last seasons thousands upon thousands of free tickets

Ninian Park held well over 20,000, it was half empty most of the time. Its irrelevant.

From 2008 onwards we were in the play-off race for our first ever Premier League season, people were falling over themselves to get a piece of it. Well they have had it now and it wasnt all that great. Its over. We are back to normal attendances for where we are now as history has shown us for decades upon decades. Why people think that has all suddenly changed and we have gained tens of thousands of diehards who are staying away due to principle is beyond me.

People are kidding themselves. We are where we are. This is it.

Ninian Park.

Hardly any away fans came,plus the New/modern football fan never really started watching City till we moved in to the Cardiff City Stadium and I know that for a fact, I saw all the dateabase and we grew from 30,000 fans names and addresses to 260,000 when we moved.

Don't get me wrong I personally preferred Ninian Park,but I'm just giving you All the Facts,so they do make a difference :thumb right:


Correct/Spot on we gained the new fans from 2008 and we held them for a few years and then during Tans era we lost them.

The database grow mainly due to the fa cup final

Wez, due to a few Wembley appearances and we then eventually went up and up in season ticket sales every season

I remember an article around the fact cup final time saying that it went up by 100 k that season due to different people buying tickets for the family cup run and league

"big club" dont loose sight to those who love and follow CARDIFF CITY we are the biggest and best in the world

Going to matches is very expensive.

If people are paying a lot of money to go they want to see teams right at the top pushing for promotion and attractive football we have neither.

Fans are fickle, there's a reason we has 28k sell outs in the premier league.

Going to matches is very expensive.

If people are paying a lot of money to go they want to see teams right at the top pushing for promotion and attractive football we have neither.

Fans are fickle, there's a reason we has 28k sell outs in the premier league.

we had near sell outs last season

That's Ninian Park attendances, totally different ball game.

Now show from 2007 until 2016 including last seasons thousands upon thousands of free tickets

But there are extenuating circumstances Annis. Firstly in 2008 we made the FA Cup Final and sold loads of season tickets on the promise of a final ticket. 2009 saw the new stadium open and in 2010 we made the play-off Final. 2012 saw us reach the League Cup Final and 2013 saw us promoted to the Premier League.

If we didn't increase attendances on the back of that run then something would have been really wrong. Also most of that period covered Tan's stewardship which won't really fit your agenda against him very well.

The fact is the OP is absolutely correct our normal attendance in this league whilst not pushing for promotion is 12-15k. Whilst you can't put a generic label on all of those fans who have stopped attending, the evidence would suggest it is the Premier hunters who are only around when things are going well.

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

That's Ninian Park attendances, totally different ball game.

Now show from 2007 until 2016 including last seasons thousands upon thousands of free tickets

But there are extenuating circumstances Annis. Firstly in 2008 we made the FA Cup Final and sold loads of season tickets on the promise of a final ticket. 2009 saw the new stadium open and in 2010 we made the play-off Final. 2012 saw us reach the League Cup Final and 2013 saw us promoted to the Premier League.

If we didn't increase attendances on the back of that run then something would have been really wrong. Also most of that period covered Tan's stewardship which won't really fit your agenda against him very well.

The fact is the OP is absolutely correct our normal attendance in this league whilst not pushing for promotion is 12-15k. Whilst you can't put a generic label on all of those fans who have stopped attending, the evidence would suggest it is the Premier hunters who are only around when things are going well.

Ninian Park.

Hardly any away fans came,plus the New/modern football fan never really started watching City till we moved in to the Cardiff City Stadium and I know that for a fact, I saw all the dateabase and we grew from 30,000 fans names and addresses to 260,000 when we moved.

Don't get me wrong I personally preferred Ninian Park,but I'm just giving you All the Facts,so they do make a difference


Correct/Spot on we gained the new fans from 2008 and we held them for a few years and then during Tans era we lost them.

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

just like the sam hamman days and other chairman before h8m ,there are always excuses but when we are at the top pushing for promotion suddenly there's no excuses and attendances are great

I don' think the fans will return if Tan leaves sadly. People said they would come back if Tan reversed the rebrand, guess what? Attendances dropped. People will find a new excuse to not come down.

I don' think the fans will return if Tan leaves sadly. People said they would come back if Tan reversed the rebrand, guess what? Attendances dropped. People will find a new excuse to not come down.

exactly most card8ff city fans are glory supporters

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

just like the sam hamman days and other chairman before h8m ,there are always excuses but when we are at the top pushing for promotion suddenly there's no excuses and attendances are great

Wez, Are you saying our fans are mostly glory hunters?

Also I honestly don't believe they would rush back straight away anymore.


I went away to Burnley in 1988 promotion season with Cardiff City, we took over 2,500 fans for a Division 4 match.

I also went away with Cardiff to Burnley on the day we won the Championship for the first time ever and we had waited 51 years for promotion to the Premier League, we took a mere 1,500, it was pay on the day,No restrictions,Not live on TV and on a Saturday 3pm.

I can give you dozens of examples.

Some of our older fans will not rush back, I can guarantee you that,they've been hurt to much.

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

just like the sam hamman days and other chairman before h8m ,there are always excuses but when we are at the top pushing for promotion suddenly there's no excuses and attendances are great

Wez, Are you saying our fans are mostly glory hunters?

Also I honestly don't believe they would rush back straight away anymore.


I went away to Burnley in 1988 promotion season with Cardiff City, we took over 2,500 fans for a Division 4 match.

I also went away with Cardiff to Burnley on the day we won the Championship for the first time ever and we had waited 51 years for promotion to the Premier League, we took a mere 1,500, it was pay on the day,No restrictions,Not live on TV and on a Saturday 3pm.

I can give you dozens of examples.

Some of our older fans will not rush back, I can guarantee you that,they've been hurt to much.

Yes we have alot of glory supporters who only go when we are wining your just talking about away games there annis your failing to mention home games ,last season for example when we were in the hunt for the playoffs the free season holder tickets were snapped up we had our largest ever attendance at the new stadium when we lost out you couldn't give them away , couple of season ago we were in red and had our largest ever average attendances season for many of years in the promotion campaign and the Premier League ,it just show that fans want success

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

just like the sam hamman days and other chairman before h8m ,there are always excuses but when we are at the top pushing for promotion suddenly there's no excuses and attendances are great

Wez, Are you saying our fans are mostly glory hunters?

Also I honestly don't believe they would rush back straight away anymore.


I went away to Burnley in 1988 promotion season with Cardiff City, we took over 2,500 fans for a Division 4 match.

I also went away with Cardiff to Burnley on the day we won the Championship for the first time ever and we had waited 51 years for promotion to the Premier League, we took a mere 1,500, it was pay on the day,No restrictions,Not live on TV and on a Saturday 3pm.

I can give you dozens of examples.

Some of our older fans will not rush back, I can guarantee you that,they've been hurt to much.

Yes we have alot of glory supporters who only go when we are wining your just talking about away games there annis your failing to mention home games ,last season for example when we were in the hunt for the playoffs the free season holder tickets were snapped up we had our largest ever attendance at the new stadium when we lost out you couldn't give them away , couple of season ago we were in red and had our largest ever average attendances season for many of years in the promotion campaign and the Premier League ,it just show that fans want success

Wez, Firstly our away support is a worry.

Second you've just said it FREE tickets, Very very sad thats the only reason why Tom,Dick and his dog watched City, I spoke to some who had never seen City before, Sadly it never really worked that well as most never returned.


We were in the PREMIER LEAGUE, clubs like Halifax,Torquay would sell 25,000 tickets for those games.

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

just like the sam hamman days and other chairman before h8m ,there are always excuses but when we are at the top pushing for promotion suddenly there's no excuses and attendances are great

Wez, Are you saying our fans are mostly glory hunters?

Also I honestly don't believe they would rush back straight away anymore.


I went away to Burnley in 1988 promotion season with Cardiff City, we took over 2,500 fans for a Division 4 match.

I also went away with Cardiff to Burnley on the day we won the Championship for the first time ever and we had waited 51 years for promotion to the Premier League, we took a mere 1,500, it was pay on the day,No restrictions,Not live on TV and on a Saturday 3pm.

I can give you dozens of examples.

Some of our older fans will not rush back, I can guarantee you that,they've been hurt to much.

Yes we have alot of glory supporters who only go when we are wining your just talking about away games there annis your failing to mention home games ,last season for example when we were in the hunt for the playoffs the free season holder tickets were snapped up we had our largest ever attendance at the new stadium when we lost out you couldn't give them away , couple of season ago we were in red and had our largest ever average attendances season for many of years in the promotion campaign and the Premier League ,it just show that fans want success

Wez, Firstly our away support is a worry.

Second you've just said it FREE tickets, Very very sad thats the only reason why Tom,Dick and his dog watched City, I spoke to some who had never seen City before, Sadly it never really worked that well as most never returned.


We were in the PREMIER LEAGUE, clubs like Halifax,Torquay would sell 25,000 tickets for those games.

we weren't in the first season of red tho were we ? the whole argument that fans stay away coz of tan is bollocks just an excuse heard loads over the years , if we were at the top doing well the attendances would be good I know loads of people including close friends that go when we are doing well

Being a fan since 92 I think I along with others thought we were bigger than what we are. Probably we were the big fish in small pond in lower leagues.

Attendances only surged initially due to fa cup final.

Playoffs carling cup final premiership clearly have helped our crowds. New stadium or not the current support at home is probably right. A away from home is my biggest concern and notably the passion amongst our support has diminished

Being a fan since 92 I think I along with others thought we were bigger than what we are. Probably we were the big fish in small pond in lower leagues.

Attendances only surged initially due to fa cup final.

Playoffs carling cup final premiership clearly have helped our crowds. New stadium or not the current support at home is probably right. A away from home is my biggest concern and notably the passion amongst our support has diminished

police ruined the away experience just not worth getting h pissed and maybe getting nicked

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

just like the sam hamman days and other chairman before h8m ,there are always excuses but when we are at the top pushing for promotion suddenly there's no excuses and attendances are great

Wez, Are you saying our fans are mostly glory hunters?

Also I honestly don't believe they would rush back straight away anymore.


I went away to Burnley in 1988 promotion season with Cardiff City, we took over 2,500 fans for a Division 4 match.

I also went away with Cardiff to Burnley on the day we won the Championship for the first time ever and we had waited 51 years for promotion to the Premier League, we took a mere 1,500, it was pay on the day,No restrictions,Not live on TV and on a Saturday 3pm.

I can give you dozens of examples.

Some of our older fans will not rush back, I can guarantee you that,they've been hurt to much.

Yes we have alot of glory supporters who only go when we are wining your just talking about away games there annis your failing to mention home games ,last season for example when we were in the hunt for the playoffs the free season holder tickets were snapped up we had our largest ever attendance at the new stadium when we lost out you couldn't give them away , couple of season ago we were in red and had our largest ever average attendances season for many of years in the promotion campaign and the Premier League ,it just show that fans want success

Wez, Firstly our away support is a worry.

Second you've just said it FREE tickets, Very very sad thats the only reason why Tom,Dick and his dog watched City, I spoke to some who had never seen City before, Sadly it never really worked that well as most never returned.


We were in the PREMIER LEAGUE, clubs like Halifax,Torquay would sell 25,000 tickets for those games.

we weren't in the first season of red tho were we ? the whole argument that fans stay away coz of tan is bollocks just an excuse heard loads over the years , if we were at the top doing well the attendances would be good I know loads of people including close friends that go when we are doing well

No We were not and I struggled to watch City, I nearly walked away,but stayed to fight for our identity. Its 100% Not bolloxs as I know hundreds who stopped because of Tan/Rebrand.
Your right there are also many who jump on the band wagon when we are doing well I don't deny that.
We would not get No where as big a crowd as you think if were doing well of course it would increase as there are thousands of Glory hunters.
In Prem we would get full houses as most coming to see the opposition.
Wez, You missed the Rebrand,Not your fault,but you did not how horrible it was on some away games between fans and many have not returned.

WE NEED TWO THINGS TO HAPPEN " SUCCESS AND TAN GONE "

I genuinelly think this need to be seen as a big club is rotting the club to the core. Expectations are always then way too high as a result. Nothing is good enough, attendances too low, players not good enough, manager no clue, chairman wont spend etc etc etc

We are not even the biggest club in Wales any more for crying out loud. I wish people would quit with this notion that our fans are missing and whatever other excuse that things are not right and actually get on with supporting the club. While our fans have this attitude there will always be discontent - always. Other clubs will prosper while we are held back and stuck in our own self created pitty party.

Big clubs spend most of their time in the top flight, we haven't since the 1920s..
The potential has always been there, and we have had large crowds, sadly this has never been sustained.

Liverpool weren't a big club until the late 60s - built on success.

The poor attendances are not a simple black and white issue. In my friends circle alone there is such a spread of reasons. I've had a combination of becoming a dad to two over the past few years meaning I had to sacrifice my season ticket at the end of our title-winning season in the Championship so I never saw us in the Premier League. I have since started to work Saturdays so it is now impossible for me to watch games but I still plan to make games when I can.

My mate just became disillusioned with the football. He'd been going down since the early 1990s and said the sterile feel about the club has just left him feeling detached and not part of what it all is any more.

Another mate simply blamed the lack of ambition and unashamedly said if we're not competing for promotion then he's not interested in watching us. Not my cup of tea that attitude but I don't think he's the only one.

One more mate said he's not returning until Tan has left the club.

Four or five different reasons in a small group. Spread that out over thousands of fans and you can see how this isn't just an issue that can be fixed by one action. It needs a number of approaches but the club simply don't seem keen to address them all.

Steve,excellent post and sums it up well

Thanks Annis! We also can't forget the fans who have taken the sensible decision to ditch UK living for sunnier climates! Not jealous at all!

Your welcome Steve,you summoned it up well



Steve, Family first before anything

Steve,plus I know many Cardiff City fans who now just follow Wales home and away as they had had enough of City.

Go back a few years, when the City were pushing for promotion, or actually in the Premier League, and it was the other way round. The FAW could not give Wales tickets away. 6 or 7k crowds. This board was full of posts slagging off Coleman, and saying how crap Wales were. This swapping back and fore has been happening, off and on, for a few years now. At the moment, Wales are doing well. Once that passes, watch the Wales crowds go down again, like they did after the Mark Hughes era ended. Personally speaking, CCFC come first. I go to the Wales home games, but not into the 'Wales away' scene. I know people who just go to Wales games now, too. What you say is right, Annis, but a lot of fans do appear to be following the glory. Not all, by any means, but some.

I started properly in the early 80's and can remember 5500 attendances regularly and maybe 11K against county or the Jack on boxing day.

What were our attendances during the awakening years of Eddie May promotion year 11K~12K ?

What you have to remember we have almost had to start from scratch. I bet half our current fan base were not Ninian Park regulars. It was a pretty daunting place to start your modern football experience, and as well documented on this thread alone, loads of those NP regulars have jacked it in because you only go for the football nowadays.

We are where we are, but need to start looking forward to new fans rather than pandering to those who have grown weary of modern football, because it ain't going backwards. And if you think us being in the lower reaches would be a licence to cause chaos, think again, because it will take another generation for Cardiff to lose the hooligan tag and we'd be policed appropriately.

Every club thinks they are bigger than they really are.

I genuinelly think this need to be seen as a big club is rotting the club to the core. Expectations are always then way too high as a result. Nothing is good enough, attendances too low, players not good enough, manager no clue, chairman wont spend etc etc etc

We are not even the biggest club in Wales any more for crying out loud. I wish people would quit with this notion that our fans are missing and whatever other excuse that things are not right and actually get on with supporting the club. While our fans have this attitude there will always be discontent - always. Other clubs will prosper while we are held back and stuck in our own self created pitty party.

Well said. We're historically a 2nd /3rd tier club yet many think we have a define right to be successful.