There are many reasons why we support Cardiff...

Firstly, as a result of this post, I do not envisage that I will appease all supporters of our great club. But what I do wish to try and do is to bring some understanding of the present situation.

By way of a background I started supporting Cardiff City in 1973. I went down, as a 4 year old with my dad, and when he died (when I was 10) I continued to be taken down to support the club by Steve, my uncle, and Gill Samuel as she now is. I remain very grateful to them both.

I am 43 now and live in Wigan. I am someone who works within the legal profession but I am also someone who provides photographic services to the club I love - as well as the National Newspapers. In short I have witness many bad times and I am enjoying seeing some of the good times.

I mention my background because each of us has one. Each of us has their own seperate reason for supporting Cardiff and, quite often, that reason is totally different to the next person.

There will be those amongst us, perhaps in their 60s or older, who possibly never thought that they would see top flight football again. I have spoken to some of you and some have voiced the opinion that they would support our club irrespective as to what colour we play in but almost all wished to see top flight football before their own passing.

For those, like myself in their 40s, we have seen many bad times. Some prefer to take the historical approach whereas others prefer to take the view that in todays financial climate you either change or fail.

For those younger, you are probably joining our club at an exciting time. You may not have been part of the past but you are most definately part of the future.

For me our history was playing in Blue, the Bluebird, Ninian Park, Division 3 or 4 football and Debt - and realistically I have to ask myself whether that combination actually worked for us? I have to ask whether that is the future that I want for our club and whether I want to sit watching the likes of Tranmere and Bristol Rovers when our friends, down the road, are playing in Europe?

We will always have a history and it will always be one that we can be proud of. Not because we won trophies but because of who we are and what each of us went through on a week by week basis.

The time has come for our club to start taking steps into the big wide world and we need to "release the shackles" and let the club do this. Our club has reached maturity and we need to allow it to stand on its own two feet and reach the playing level that it wants to play at and, at the same time, reach a level of financial security that will ensure continued success. Each of us wants financial security for our own children so why not for the club that we love?

Many many years ago a club was born. Riverside FC played in a chocolate and gold kit and they played local league football. In fact, back then, the club was more of a cricket team than a soccer team. Natural progression saw that this club wanted to better itself and play amongst the elite of the Football League. That happened. The Cricket gave way to football (which was probably contentious in itself). The name changed from Riverside FC to Cardiff City and a new Blue strip was adopted.

That was some change.... Change of Sport.... Change of Name.... and change of Colours......

That was a momentous change in our clubs history and I am sure, at that time, there were people who had similar views as today.

Today we are on the verge of another momentous step. Despite what any of us think our club, like our children, wants to compete at the highest level and none of us, and I do mean none of us, have the right to stand in their way.

The club needs to stand on its feet and if the club believes that it can market itself better by playing in red then we need to let the club do this.

For me, over the years, I have seen the club play in a multitude of colours and therefore "As long as they are called Cardiff City" I am happy with that. Just like our children the club will make mistakes. They will learn from them and only time will tell whether this is a mistake or a major success.

In my opening paragraphs I mentioned that each of us has totally differing views as to why they support Cardiff City and I therefore respect all comments and all opinions. But let us treat Cardiff City as if it were our child and therefore ask ourselves not what is best for us "individually" but what is best for that child which is growing up. If, in years to come, the club is playing in Red and playing in Europe - I will be proud. If the venture failed and we are back to playing in Division 3 I will be equally proud for having the balls to have a go.

Some food for thought

Sorry about the length as well. Once I got started LOL!

Great post mate.

and if we became lets say cardiff dragons.....how would you feel??....i just feel that the malaysians are short term,then what happens,i do understand that everybody has different opinions...

Excellent post!
I'll always remember my dad taking me down the city as a 3-4 year old during the 84/85 season for my first Cardiff City experience. Still get chills as I remember hearing the roar from the crowd while we stood on the Bob Bank.
Regardless of what hemisphere I'm living in, Cardiff City will be a part of me, irrespective of whether they play in blue, red, or pink. Cardiff till I die!

and if we became lets say cardiff dragons.....how would you feel??....i just feel that the malaysians are short term,then what happens,i do understand that everybody has different opinions...

I probably wouldnt be too happy but that said I dont suppose some at Riverside FC were too happy about changing their name to Cardiff City and we all know the background behind Wimbledon and Milton Keynes.

As long as the name Cardiff City remains, for me, that is all that matters.

As for Tan Sri - I genuinely think he is long term. Let me put it another way. When the club is playing in Europe and we receive an offer to buy the club for £300m only then will I form the view that he may sell - (i.e. after trebling his investment)

Great post mate.

Cheers Corky.

I think the other thing we need to remember is that there are many supporters, may they RIP, who are unable to witness where the club is today.

Whilst we are all arguing about red/blue a big "shout out" should be given to those no longer able to take part in the discussion.

Excellent post!
I'll always remember my dad taking me down the city as a 3-4 year old during the 84/85 season for my first Cardiff City experience. Still get chills as I remember hearing the roar from the crowd while we stood on the Bob Bank.
Regardless of what hemisphere I'm living in, Cardiff City will be a part of me, irrespective of whether they play in blue, red, or pink. Cardiff till I die!

There are some memories..... I dont know whether you like Rugby League but I get to see some of the Newcastle Knights players when they come across here. (I do a lot of RL Photography).

Firstly, as a result of this post, I do not envisage that I will appease all supporters of our great club. But what I do wish to try and do is to bring some understanding of the present situation.

By way of a background I started supporting Cardiff City in 1973. I went down, as a 4 year old with my dad, and when he died (when I was 10) I continued to be taken down to support the club by Steve, my uncle, and Gill Samuel as she now is. I remain very grateful to them both.

I am 43 now and live in Wigan. I am someone who works within the legal profession but I am also someone who provides photographic services to the club I love - as well as the National Newspapers. In short I have witness many bad times and I am enjoying seeing some of the good times.

I mention my background because each of us has one. Each of us has their own seperate reason for supporting Cardiff and, quite often, that reason is totally different to the next person.

There will be those amongst us, perhaps in their 60s or older, who possibly never thought that they would see top flight football again. I have spoken to some of you and some have voiced the opinion that they would support our club irrespective as to what colour we play in but almost all wished to see top flight football before their own passing.

For those, like myself in their 40s, we have seen many bad times. Some prefer to take the historical approach whereas others prefer to take the view that in todays financial climate you either change or fail.

For those younger, you are probably joining our club at an exciting time. You may not have been part of the past but you are most definately part of the future.

For me our history was playing in Blue, the Bluebird, Ninian Park, Division 3 or 4 football and Debt - and realistically I have to ask myself whether that combination actually worked for us? I have to ask whether that is the future that I want for our club and whether I want to sit watching the likes of Tranmere and Bristol Rovers when our friends, down the road, are playing in Europe?

We will always have a history and it will always be one that we can be proud of. Not because we won trophies but because of who we are and what each of us went through on a week by week basis.

The time has come for our club to start taking steps into the big wide world and we need to "release the shackles" and let the club do this. Our club has reached maturity and we need to allow it to stand on its own two feet and reach the playing level that it wants to play at and, at the same time, reach a level of financial security that will ensure continued success. Each of us wants financial security for our own children so why not for the club that we love?

Many many years ago a club was born. Riverside FC played in a chocolate and gold kit and they played local league football. In fact, back then, the club was more of a cricket team than a soccer team. Natural progression saw that this club wanted to better itself and play amongst the elite of the Football League. That happened. The Cricket gave way to football (which was probably contentious in itself). The name changed from Riverside FC to Cardiff City and a new Blue strip was adopted.

That was some change.... Change of Sport.... Change of Name.... and change of Colours......

That was a momentous change in our clubs history and I am sure, at that time, there were people who had similar views as today.

Today we are on the verge of another momentous step. Despite what any of us think our club, like our children, wants to compete at the highest level and none of us, and I do mean none of us, have the right to stand in their way.

The club needs to stand on its feet and if the club believes that it can market itself better by playing in red then we need to let the club do this.

For me, over the years, I have seen the club play in a multitude of colours and therefore "As long as they are called Cardiff City" I am happy with that. Just like our children the club will make mistakes. They will learn from them and only time will tell whether this is a mistake or a major success.

In my opening paragraphs I mentioned that each of us has totally differing views as to why they support Cardiff City and I therefore respect all comments and all opinions. But let us treat Cardiff City as if it were our child and therefore ask ourselves not what is best for us "individually" but what is best for that child which is growing up. If, in years to come, the club is playing in Red and playing in Europe - I will be proud. If the venture failed and we are back to playing in Division 3 I will be equally proud for having the balls to have a go.

Some food for thought

Fantasic post paul, i've been going down for 42 years and, like many others on here, have seen some pretty grim and dire seasons on and off the field, infact far,far too many, for the first time in my following, we now have a owner who has got serious money behind him and, whether people like it or not you can't succeed in football today without massive finances, we now have a new stadium, a great young manager and a squad of players who are right up there with the lads from 1971, unfortunately, it has come at a cost, our traditional colours have been changed to the likening of not one Cardiff City fan, but it's happened and for now anyway, there is nothing we can do about it, but what we can do, and must do, is from next sunday give malky and the players our 100% backing until hopefully, we get the job done, (promotion) lets all make the effort and leave off field business until we reach the promised land.

great balanced post mate.

Totally agree CityOne. I didnt expect us to be top 6 this year never mind top 2 and therefore the present crop, in my opinion, have really surpassed themselves.

I genuinely think that this is the start of a much bigger picture. Tan Sri is a person of immense wealth. The fan base of Cardiff is massive. The stadium can be improved to compete with some of the biggest stadia in the Premiership.

With that backdrop I have absolutely no doubt that we can compete not only in the Premiership but at the top end of the Premiership.

Let me put this thought out there..... In 2011/12 Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Sunderland were all in the Top 30 of the Worlds richest clubs (Positions 20 to 30).

There is plenty that says that we could be bigger than Aston Villa.

Newcastle have passionate supporters but so do we. Tan Sri has far greater financial clout than Mike Ashley

Everton, West Ham and Sunderland..... I think we should be capable of competing with all of those.

Really enjoyed reading that.

That sea of red last night confused the hell out of me. I have always been tolerant of the change but last night felt weird!!!

Well written that.

Good post but a few points about you comparing the Riverside to Cardiff change to our current rebrand.

We only changed our name to Cardiff City and our colour to blue when Cardiff was given city status. Cardiff getting city status then enabled us to turn professional. As Riverside is a part of Cardiff and at the time, was only a cricket club where the players played football to keep theirselves fit for their cricket, I see the change completely different. Yes, the fact Riverside Cricket Club played football and were good at it generated interest in football in our city, but I don't believe Cardiff City FC directly replaced Riverside Cricket Club. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there was still a Riverside Cricket Club after Cardiff City FC was formed wasn't it?

Fantstic take on our beloved club....nice to get a balanced perspective off someone with a bit of sense.

Thanks

good post mate.

Great post Paul. I have been supporting city since early 70's when dad took me down with an orange box to stand on the bob bank .
He's still alongside me in the ground now, we are still fans and are cheering the team onwards to promotion

It would be remarkable to see our team in the premiere league, a change of shirt (although strange) should not stop us getting there?

The final hurdle is in sight, let's push Malky and the boys over

very well said, I have been going down city since being taken down reluctantly in 1971 with my dad, been going ever since, my dad now 91 and we still sit together, been through some very bad times supporting city, but its our club, so would not do anything but support them.
my father been going for 80 years, albeit he missed a couple years in eearly 50's with a change in career but he is a lifelong supporter, change of colour of shirt this season has not bothered him in the slightest, all he wants is for Cardiff to win promotion to the Premier League, he says he can then die happily....so no, not all that have accepted the change are plastics, happy clappy, glory hunters..we are supporters who just want to see our team playing at the highest level, and I believe that this team will take us there as they are the best bunch of palyers that have worn a city shirt for many a year.

Firstly, as a result of this post, I do not envisage that I will appease all supporters of our great club. But what I do wish to try and do is to bring some understanding of the present situation.

By way of a background I started supporting Cardiff City in 1973. I went down, as a 4 year old with my dad, and when he died (when I was 10) I continued to be taken down to support the club by Steve, my uncle, and Gill Samuel as she now is. I remain very grateful to them both.

I am 43 now and live in Wigan. I am someone who works within the legal profession but I am also someone who provides photographic services to the club I love - as well as the National Newspapers. In short I have witness many bad times and I am enjoying seeing some of the good times.

I mention my background because each of us has one. Each of us has their own seperate reason for supporting Cardiff and, quite often, that reason is totally different to the next person.

There will be those amongst us, perhaps in their 60s or older, who possibly never thought that they would see top flight football again. I have spoken to some of you and some have voiced the opinion that they would support our club irrespective as to what colour we play in but almost all wished to see top flight football before their own passing.

For those, like myself in their 40s, we have seen many bad times. Some prefer to take the historical approach whereas others prefer to take the view that in todays financial climate you either change or fail.

For those younger, you are probably joining our club at an exciting time. You may not have been part of the past but you are most definately part of the future.

For me our history was playing in Blue, the Bluebird, Ninian Park, Division 3 or 4 football and Debt - and realistically I have to ask myself whether that combination actually worked for us? I have to ask whether that is the future that I want for our club and whether I want to sit watching the likes of Tranmere and Bristol Rovers when our friends, down the road, are playing in Europe?

We will always have a history and it will always be one that we can be proud of. Not because we won trophies but because of who we are and what each of us went through on a week by week basis.

The time has come for our club to start taking steps into the big wide world and we need to "release the shackles" and let the club do this. Our club has reached maturity and we need to allow it to stand on its own two feet and reach the playing level that it wants to play at and, at the same time, reach a level of financial security that will ensure continued success. Each of us wants financial security for our own children so why not for the club that we love?

Many many years ago a club was born. Riverside FC played in a chocolate and gold kit and they played local league football. In fact, back then, the club was more of a cricket team than a soccer team. Natural progression saw that this club wanted to better itself and play amongst the elite of the Football League. That happened. The Cricket gave way to football (which was probably contentious in itself). The name changed from Riverside FC to Cardiff City and a new Blue strip was adopted.

That was some change.... Change of Sport.... Change of Name.... and change of Colours......

That was a momentous change in our clubs history and I am sure, at that time, there were people who had similar views as today.

Today we are on the verge of another momentous step. Despite what any of us think our club, like our children, wants to compete at the highest level and none of us, and I do mean none of us, have the right to stand in their way.

The club needs to stand on its feet and if the club believes that it can market itself better by playing in red then we need to let the club do this.

For me, over the years, I have seen the club play in a multitude of colours and therefore "As long as they are called Cardiff City" I am happy with that. Just like our children the club will make mistakes. They will learn from them and only time will tell whether this is a mistake or a major success.

In my opening paragraphs I mentioned that each of us has totally differing views as to why they support Cardiff City and I therefore respect all comments and all opinions. But let us treat Cardiff City as if it were our child and therefore ask ourselves not what is best for us "individually" but what is best for that child which is growing up. If, in years to come, the club is playing in Red and playing in Europe - I will be proud. If the venture failed and we are back to playing in Division 3 I will be equally proud for having the balls to have a go.

Some food for thought

Excellent post. A lot of commonsense spoken there. Felt wierd watching City last night with so much red in the CCS. Most won't bring their scarves back for future games though.

A great OP despite containing some unconfortable truths. Our club would-not survive in the modern world if it didn't evolve and think outside the box. I hate seeing us play in red but the colour is not the most important thing about Cardiff City, that is the club itself.

Now to contridict myself slightly I personally would draw a 'red' line at a name change. Changing the name by defination is changing the club that you support and I couldn't accept that.

However, I believe Tan won't do that. If he wants to market a European club in the far east then it has to have a European name. In the same way as we identify Chicken Chow Mien or Madras Curry as Asian food the same must be true of European football institutions.

As was said by the Trust Chairman recently a football club is similar to a listed building. The building cannot be knocked down or changed on the outside but it can be refurbished on the inside and used for commercial enterprises.

That is what Tan is doing, refurbishing a listed building (Cardiff City's rebrand) for commercial gain. I for one fully support him because other wise we fail and have no future.

Sorry to say we will lose the city and become just Cardiff.

Fair play, great post.

You mention how we changed from Riverside AFC to Cardiff City back in the day, I wonder how many fans there actually were? Also think about it, Riverside AFC weren't around for over 100 years. There's a massive difference in what happened to us last year and what happened at the very beginning of our existence.

Good post but a few points about you comparing the Riverside to Cardiff change to our current rebrand.

We only changed our name to Cardiff City and our colour to blue when Cardiff was given city status. Cardiff getting city status then enabled us to turn professional. As Riverside is a part of Cardiff and at the time, was only a cricket club where the players played football to keep theirselves fit for their cricket, I see the change completely different. Yes, the fact Riverside Cricket Club played football and were good at it generated interest in football in our city, but I don't believe Cardiff City FC directly replaced Riverside Cricket Club. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there was still a Riverside Cricket Club after Cardiff City FC was formed wasn't it?

Not quite correct that, Riverside Football club wanted to be called Cardiff City, but were not allowed to by the F.A.W, who wanted to keep the Name Cardiff City for a club who could represent Cardiff at a higher level than Riverside were playing at the time.

An amalgamation with Riverside Albion came in 1902, but it was a further three years before the first honours, the Bevan Shield, was won by the blossoming club. It was at this time that Cardiff was made a city, and the committee immediately put in a request to change their name to Cardiff City but it was refused on the grounds that the club was not playing at a sufficiently high standard. Steps were taken to join the upgraded South Wales Amateur League, and in 1908 they were at last allowed to change the name to Cardiff City.

Great post by the OP, although a lot of people think us old ones do not embrace the rebrand, quite a lot of us reluctantly accept it mainly for the club to survive.




.

Firstly, as a result of this post, I do not envisage that I will appease all supporters of our great club. But what I do wish to try and do is to bring some understanding of the present situation.

By way of a background I started supporting Cardiff City in 1973. I went down, as a 4 year old with my dad, and when he died (when I was 10) I continued to be taken down to support the club by Steve, my uncle, and Gill Samuel as she now is. I remain very grateful to them both.

I am 43 now and live in Wigan. I am someone who works within the legal profession but I am also someone who provides photographic services to the club I love - as well as the National Newspapers. In short I have witness many bad times and I am enjoying seeing some of the good times.

I mention my background because each of us has one. Each of us has their own seperate reason for supporting Cardiff and, quite often, that reason is totally different to the next person.

There will be those amongst us, perhaps in their 60s or older, who possibly never thought that they would see top flight football again. I have spoken to some of you and some have voiced the opinion that they would support our club irrespective as to what colour we play in but almost all wished to see top flight football before their own passing.

For those, like myself in their 40s, we have seen many bad times. Some prefer to take the historical approach whereas others prefer to take the view that in todays financial climate you either change or fail.

For those younger, you are probably joining our club at an exciting time. You may not have been part of the past but you are most definately part of the future.

For me our history was playing in Blue, the Bluebird, Ninian Park, Division 3 or 4 football and Debt - and realistically I have to ask myself whether that combination actually worked for us? I have to ask whether that is the future that I want for our club and whether I want to sit watching the likes of Tranmere and Bristol Rovers when our friends, down the road, are playing in Europe?

We will always have a history and it will always be one that we can be proud of. Not because we won trophies but because of who we are and what each of us went through on a week by week basis.

The time has come for our club to start taking steps into the big wide world and we need to "release the shackles" and let the club do this. Our club has reached maturity and we need to allow it to stand on its own two feet and reach the playing level that it wants to play at and, at the same time, reach a level of financial security that will ensure continued success. Each of us wants financial security for our own children so why not for the club that we love?

Many many years ago a club was born. Riverside FC played in a chocolate and gold kit and they played local league football. In fact, back then, the club was more of a cricket team than a soccer team. Natural progression saw that this club wanted to better itself and play amongst the elite of the Football League. That happened. The Cricket gave way to football (which was probably contentious in itself). The name changed from Riverside FC to Cardiff City and a new Blue strip was adopted.

That was some change.... Change of Sport.... Change of Name.... and change of Colours......

That was a momentous change in our clubs history and I am sure, at that time, there were people who had similar views as today.

Today we are on the verge of another momentous step. Despite what any of us think our club, like our children, wants to compete at the highest level and none of us, and I do mean none of us, have the right to stand in their way.

The club needs to stand on its feet and if the club believes that it can market itself better by playing in red then we need to let the club do this.

For me, over the years, I have seen the club play in a multitude of colours and therefore "As long as they are called Cardiff City" I am happy with that. Just like our children the club will make mistakes. They will learn from them and only time will tell whether this is a mistake or a major success.

In my opening paragraphs I mentioned that each of us has totally differing views as to why they support Cardiff City and I therefore respect all comments and all opinions. But let us treat Cardiff City as if it were our child and therefore ask ourselves not what is best for us "individually" but what is best for that child which is growing up. If, in years to come, the club is playing in Red and playing in Europe - I will be proud. If the venture failed and we are back to playing in Division 3 I will be equally proud for having the balls to have a go.

Some food for thought

too long,haven't got time to read, sorry...

Paul great post and sums up the debate regarding the red/blue debate. I'm in my early 60's and never thought I would see my beloved club not only play in the FA Cup final but Carling Cup as well. Several trips to Wembley and now on the verge of the EPL

Having reluctantly accepted the change of colour for various options i.e. debt written off, new state of the art training facilities, improved academy (which has started) I would like to have seen some of these resolved especially the debt but at least we for the time being are not going down the road as did Pompy.

Only time will tell as you quite rightly say but for the time being the team need us all blue and red to get behind them and get the points needed to get us promoted.

Very good , and at last some common sense written. I have been a supporter sincs 1967 . Not that makes me any different from a supporter who seen their first game last night . We all had a first game . But we can all join in on this journey we are on , hopefully to promotion . I have no doubt VT will have us at least top 6 in the PL within 2 years . Not bigger than Barcelona but maybe bigger than most in the PL .

Great post Paul,
i myself been going since 76 and from that day the smell of the hotdogs and the singing from the grange end got me hooked on the bluebirds.
My life has been mapped out by our colour blue. I have painted rooms in my house and bought many cars that are Blue
We sing Blue army and red just dont seem right for our home colour.
Last night i did not take the red scarf but sat there with my blue one.
The red scarf said Cardiff.. no city no bluebird
yes i do want to see us in the prem and welcome the new money but just cant see why Tan can not let us keep the blue for home. blue army

Good post, even if I disagree with a few of your points. There is not a chance in hell you are 43 years old.

Paul ... great piece but I have to admit that I have very mixed feelings about all the changes.

I have my doubts over Tan and whether the debt to equity will actually happen. If he does and City go from strength to strength rather than just piling us with more debt and reaping the rewards himself, then I will admit that I am wrong.

I hope to god that he does what he has promised and my son and I get to support City in the Premiership as a well run club.

In the past we had many discussions about City when we were in MQ and even when we worked together in Jackland so I understand your feelings and history. We all have our reasons as to why we follow City and I will continue to do so .... even though right now it does seem strained.

N.

Great post OP.

I have refrained from getting involved in the debate because I do not think it is my place. I am too new of a fan and an "outsider"as well. I don't have the rich history of watching the club.

I chose Cardiff for reasons other than the color or Bluebird. I will support the club "on the field" no matter the color, albeit from afar. However, what does bother me is that this has hurt so many of you long time fans. I totally respect your feelings, and to know that so many who have spent your entire lives giving time, money, and energy to this club are hurt, it takes a little off the enjoyment of the on field success this year.

Over the past couple of years I have gained respect for many of you posters. I have learned from many of you about this great game, and I have enjoyed being a part of this community. I hate that it seems to be torn into. The one thing I look forward to is the day when you longtime fans can see your team reach promotion. I only hope that it can take a little of this sting away.

Great post, some posts on here lately have been borderline ridiculous. I am now 30 and been watching the city since i was 7 and have witnessed promotions, relegations and attrndances under 1000 in a league cup game but i would still be classed as a "plastic" or "sell out" due to the fact i accepted my red scarf on tuesday. I would love the city to be in blue again but i never started supporting them just because they played in blue. I started because they were my hometown club and because they were the team my father supported and still does. I have seen some lows (maybe not as many as some older fans) and now i want to witness the highs as well. I will support Cardiff City regardless of kit colour or what division we play in. I have had to deal with changes recently in work and my personal life and there are a couple of sayings that peole have said to me that ring true in times like these "nobody likes change" but "nothing stays the same forever"