Trust response to VT interview

The Supporters’ Trust Board was concerned to hear that Vincent Tan would consider changing the name of Cardiff City. It was therefore encouraging to see the club move quickly to reassure fans that a name change was not on the horizon.

We believe proper prior consultation with supporters’ representatives would have given Mr Tan a valuable insight into how a name change would be perceived by fans, and the consequent negative reaction could have been avoided.

Every City fan will welcome Mr Tan’s words when he says that, ‘Our name and identity remains at our core.’ Many supporters accepted the red shirts and new logo even if they did so reluctantly. However, we were all disappointed to hear that further changes were even being considered by the club. They are not necessary and can only serve to divide the fan base when we should all be pulling together to support the team at such a crucial stage of the season as the club pushes for promotion to the Premiership.

Mr Tan says he may sell the club if the fans are ‘rude.’ But respect works both ways and supporters too are stakeholders in the club. During his interview he stated that he would be fine with up to a quarter of our fans being unhappy with the changes he has imposed, and this we feel, is disrespectful to many of our fans.

We believe that football fans have a right to be consulted on major changes at the club which directly affect them. It is almost two and a half years since members had a chance to meet TG face to face.

The Trust has again written to the club asking for a meeting with Vincent Tan so that he can explain how he sees the future for Cardiff City and we look forward to meeting him very soon.

Yesterday’s interview and statement makes the case again for a structured relationship with fans groups as well as proper consultation on any major change to be made a formal part of a football club’s licence. It cannot be left to the individual goodwill of clubs. Such a move would actually strengthen the club and ensure a deeper relationship with supporters.

An online poll showed that 58% would give up their support if the name were changed to the Dragons. We really do not want that to happen. As a Trust we have asked many times for an explanation as to why these changes were needed but have not received any real explanation.

The Trust is conducting a survey of members and nonmembers which asks your views on a range of issues including the rebranding. If you have not answered it yet then please do -

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ccstmembers or call in to the Trust Office before or after the game against Derby on Tuesday March 5th.

As he stands down as Chairman we would like to thank TG for his contribution to the City. It was TG who got Mr Tan interested in the club and secured the initial investment. He was always open and frank with us when we met him and we hope that the new chairman will move fast to engage properly with fans for the benefit of the club.

Agree with it except this bit;

' It was therefore encouraging to see the club move quickly to reassure fans that a name change was not on the horizon.'

I believe the statement is a load of rubbish and put out there to let things cool down. Once promotion is secured and the buzz kicks in they'll drop the bombshell then.

Well thought and well put out, doesn't sound rude at all, just asking for co-operation

Agree with it except this bit;

' It was therefore encouraging to see the club move quickly to reassure fans that a name change was not on the horizon.'

I believe the statement is a load of rubbish and put out there to let things cool down. Once promotion is secured and the buzz kicks in they'll drop the bombshell then.

You might be right , but the fact that a public announcement has been made on it and VT can no longer rely on the press and other media to support him if he reneges on his promise would make him lose a huge amount of "face" both here and throughout the Far East if he does.

I think this is actually a very good statement - needs to be followed up though.

All 6 of them

Guys,

Pay your money, take your ticket, hand your ticket to the attendant,go to the correct screen, select a seat and watch the film...... Don't tell me how to run my cinema.

Agree with it except this bit;

' It was therefore encouraging to see the club move quickly to reassure fans that a name change was not on the horizon.'

I believe the statement is a load of rubbish and put out there to let things cool down. Once promotion is secured and the buzz kicks in they'll drop the bombshell then.

You might be right , but the fact that a public announcement has been made on it and VT can no longer rely on the press and other media to support him if he reneges on his promise would make him lose a huge amount of "face" both here and throughout the Far East if he does.

Might not change the name keith but he could certainly extend it. Cardiff city dragons would be his compromise I reckon

The Supporters’ Trust Board was concerned to hear that Vincent Tan would consider changing the name of Cardiff City. It was therefore encouraging to see the club move quickly to reassure fans that a name change was not on the horizon.

We believe proper prior consultation with supporters’ representatives would have given Mr Tan a valuable insight into how a name change would be perceived by fans, and the consequent negative reaction could have been avoided.

Every City fan will welcome Mr Tan’s words when he says that, ‘Our name and identity remains at our core.’ Many supporters accepted the red shirts and new logo even if they did so reluctantly. However, we were all disappointed to hear that further changes were even being considered by the club. They are not necessary and can only serve to divide the fan base when we should all be pulling together to support the team at such a crucial stage of the season as the club pushes for promotion to the Premiership.

Mr Tan says he may sell the club if the fans are ‘rude.’ But respect works both ways and supporters too are stakeholders in the club. During his interview he stated that he would be fine with up to a quarter of our fans being unhappy with the changes he has imposed, and this we feel, is disrespectful to many of our fans.

We believe that football fans have a right to be consulted on major changes at the club which directly affect them. It is almost two and a half years since members had a chance to meet TG face to face.

The Trust has again written to the club asking for a meeting with Vincent Tan so that he can explain how he sees the future for Cardiff City and we look forward to meeting him very soon.

Yesterday’s interview and statement makes the case again for a structured relationship with fans groups as well as proper consultation on any major change to be made a formal part of a football club’s licence. It cannot be left to the individual goodwill of clubs. Such a move would actually strengthen the club and ensure a deeper relationship with supporters.

An online poll showed that 58% would give up their support if the name were changed to the Dragons. We really do not want that to happen. As a Trust we have asked many times for an explanation as to why these changes were needed but have not received any real explanation.

The Trust is conducting a survey of members and nonmembers which asks your views on a range of issues including the rebranding. If you have not answered it yet then please do -

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ccstmembers or call in to the Trust Office before or after the game against Derby on Tuesday March 5th.

As he stands down as Chairman we would like to thank TG for his contribution to the City. It was TG who got Mr Tan interested in the club and secured the initial investment. He was always open and frank with us when we met him and we hope that the new chairman will move fast to engage properly with fans for the benefit of the club.

At last something to agree with in a Trust Statement, in fact I would go as far as giving it an 8 out of 10.

I actually fully agree that VT would benefit greatly from consulting with the fan base, especially on ways to market the club (i.e. we could all sing from the same hymn sheet). The name is a red line (no pun intended) but as the rebrand has been generally accepted then there could be ways ahead which are supporter driven.

Agree with it except this bit;

' It was therefore encouraging to see the club move quickly to reassure fans that a name change was not on the horizon.'

I believe the statement is a load of rubbish and put out there to let things cool down. Once promotion is secured and the buzz kicks in they'll drop the bombshell then.

You might be right , but the fact that a public announcement has been made on it and VT can no longer rely on the press and other media to support him if he reneges on his promise would make him lose a huge amount of "face" both here and throughout the Far East if he does.

Might not change the name keith but he could certainly extend it. Cardiff city dragons would be his compromise I reckon

I hadn't thought of that, but now you mention it Steve it seems dead bloody obvious that is what VT was alluding to in his interview.

I am convinced 100% he may think about a name change I am equally convinced that he would be stopped in his tracks by the FA, and even more pressure from Cardiff city local authority ...plus resistance from the fans...it's a no goer in so many ways...however it would not surprise me if he tried to change the nickname to dragons and try to get the media to use that.

REMEMBER ALL THIS LOVE AND RESPET---- WE WILL STAY BLUE VT SAID, IVE LISTENED TO PUBLIC OPINION AND CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT CHANGING THE KIT TO RED-----ANYONE WITH A SHORT MEMORY REMEMBER THAT LAST JUNE--STILL FOLLOW CITY BUT WOULD NEVER BELIEVE A WORD VT SAYS WE ARE CARDIFF CITY NOT MALASIAN PUPPETS

I reckon he will lodge the name Cardiff City Dragons FC by 01st April with the football authorities

I often critise the trust but they do know how to put out a well worded statement/letter out.

Not sure why Tan would want to meet them and if they did I feel they would kiss his arse to keep "dialog open" isn't that why they never asked serious questions before?

I often critise the trust but they do know how to put out a well worded statement/letter out.

Not sure why Tan would want to meet them and if they did I feel they would kiss his arse to keep "dialog open" isn't that why they never asked serious questions before?

I think it's unfair to say they would 'kiss his arse'. They are only trying to represent the feelings of their members, and at the moment the best chance of getting tan to listen to what the fans that are represented want is to talk to him. If he isn't willing to communicate then hopefully they would look at other options

I often critise the trust but they do know how to put out a well worded statement/letter out.

Not sure why Tan would want to meet them and if they did I feel they would kiss his arse to keep "dialog open" isn't that why they never asked serious questions before?

I think it's unfair to say they would 'kiss his arse'. They are only trying to represent the feelings of their members, and at the moment the best chance of getting tan to listen to what the fans that are represented want is to talk to him. If he isn't willing to communicate then hopefully they would look at other options

No, you have a point, the statement was a good one.
Just in the past when they have had a chance to ask hard hitting questions they haven't IMO, in order to keep dialog open which is understandable in many ways but unproductive in other ways.
We have had Ridsdale Gate and the rebrand and nothing but well worded statements want out, no action, nothing really other than an oddly worded statement about pmg which I don't think they ever explained.

But if tan was to look to a group I think/hope it would be vince and the supporters club.

I often critise the trust but they do know how to put out a well worded statement/letter out.

Not sure why Tan would want to meet them and if they did I feel they would kiss his arse to keep "dialog open" isn't that why they never asked serious questions before?

I think it's unfair to say they would 'kiss his arse'. They are only trying to represent the feelings of their members, and at the moment the best chance of getting tan to listen to what the fans that are represented want is to talk to him. If he isn't willing to communicate then hopefully they would look at other options

No, you have a point, the statement was a good one.
Just in the past when they have had a chance to ask hard hitting questions they haven't IMO, in order to keep dialog open which is understandable in many ways but unproductive in other ways.
We have had Ridsdale Gate and the rebrand and nothing but well worded statements want out, no action, nothing really other than an oddly worded statement about pmg which I don't think they ever explained.

But if tan was to look to a group I think/hope it would be vince and the supporters club.

I suppose it's hard for a relatively small organisation such as the Trust to try and stand up to the likes of tan, people like him can be quite intimidating. That is why it is so important that people join and have their say. The more people that it represents the more clout it will have.

I often critise the trust but they do know how to put out a well worded statement/letter out.

Not sure why Tan would want to meet them and if they did I feel they would kiss his arse to keep "dialog open" isn't that why they never asked serious questions before?

I think it's unfair to say they would 'kiss his arse'. They are only trying to represent the feelings of their members, and at the moment the best chance of getting tan to listen to what the fans that are represented want is to talk to him. If he isn't willing to communicate then hopefully they would look at other options

No, you have a point, the statement was a good one.
Just in the past when they have had a chance to ask hard hitting questions they haven't IMO, in order to keep dialog open which is understandable in many ways but unproductive in other ways.
We have had Ridsdale Gate and the rebrand and nothing but well worded statements want out, no action, nothing really other than an oddly worded statement about pmg which I don't think they ever explained.

But if tan was to look to a group I think/hope it would be vince and the supporters club.

I suppose it's hard for a relatively small organisation such as the Trust to try and stand up to the likes of tan, people like him can be quite intimidating. That is why it is so important that people join and have their say. The more people that it represents the more clout it will have.

I agree but we are in a recession and people also don't want to throw money down a drain.
I think if they made any kind of impact over the Golden Ticket Scam or the rebrand it would have had respect and masses of people wanting to join.
If someone can tell me and others what they did (other than a statement) on what is two of the biggest off field moments in the clubs history then I think it will help.

I often critise the trust but they do know how to put out a well worded statement/letter out.

Not sure why Tan would want to meet them and if they did I feel they would kiss his arse to keep "dialog open" isn't that why they never asked serious questions before?

I think it's unfair to say they would 'kiss his arse'. They are only trying to represent the feelings of their members, and at the moment the best chance of getting tan to listen to what the fans that are represented want is to talk to him. If he isn't willing to communicate then hopefully they would look at other options

No, you have a point, the statement was a good one.
Just in the past when they have had a chance to ask hard hitting questions they haven't IMO, in order to keep dialog open which is understandable in many ways but unproductive in other ways.
We have had Ridsdale Gate and the rebrand and nothing but well worded statements want out, no action, nothing really other than an oddly worded statement about pmg which I don't think they ever explained.

But if tan was to look to a group I think/hope it would be vince and the supporters club.

I suppose it's hard for a relatively small organisation such as the Trust to try and stand up to the likes of tan, people like him can be quite intimidating. That is why it is so important that people join and have their say. The more people that it represents the more clout it will have.

I agree but we are in a recession and people also don't want to throw money down a drain.
I think if they made any kind of impact over the Golden Ticket Scam or the rebrand it would have had respect and masses of people wanting to join.
If someone can tell me and others what they did (other than a statement) on what is two of the biggest off field moments in the clubs history then I think it will help.

As I said before with a membership as small as it has had it was never going to be able to have a big influence. I wont comment on the golden ticket situation as I'm not sure what the Trust was asked to do at the time. But with an issue as big as the re brand it was always going to have to poll it's members in order to take action, and the results were so close thanks to the way so many of us (and I include myself in that) were all taken in by the 'red or dead' message that it was difficult fo them to do anything.
At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, that it why it's imperative that as many people join as possible. Imagine a Cardiff City Supporters Trust that had 10,000+ members, it would be hard for the club to ignore a voice like that.

I see what your saying but for such small amount of members the club seem to have been very accommodating.

I think this nonsense about being on the board put the nail in the coffin.

I wish it well tho, if it can have a positive impact on the club it can never be a bad thing
Just not for me, feel I wasted my money being a member, suppose I got a badge tho

REMEMBER ALL THIS LOVE AND RESPET---- WE WILL STAY BLUE VT SAID, IVE LISTENED TO PUBLIC OPINION AND CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT CHANGING THE KIT TO RED-----ANYONE WITH A SHORT MEMORY REMEMBER THAT LAST JUNE--STILL FOLLOW CITY BUT WOULD NEVER BELIEVE A WORD VT SAYS WE ARE CARDIFF CITY NOT MALASIAN PUPPETS

He didn't promise to play the rest of the season in blue, why tell lies, just use the truth and the facts.
The statement read out two days after the repulsion at the rebrand was apologetic, and said it was never their intention to cause upset or disrespect, they said they would offer to walk away but stay with the club initially and try and help find new investors and we all know that was unlikely, we couldn't find investors previously, we were hardly likely to find them now the mess we were in.

They said that by withdrawing their investment and future plans that would allow the club to play in blue, but when questioned the CEO did say that if they did stop their current investment and propping us up, aat best we would only be able to trade for a few more months before going out of business.

So we had the choice, play in blue, but it may have been for aa few months at most, or ask them to reconsider and provide the investment along with the rebrand, the shock waves ensured that the vast majority of true fans put the club's future ahead of their personal preferences in order that the club carried on trading.

So how that translates in to your version of accounts is beyond me.
95% were happy enough to wear the red scarf and show they were accepting of the situation, does mean they were happy, I'm not happy with the price w paid, but has I keep saying , as a real fan, it's not about what is best for me, it's about what's best for the club, and as for honoring our tradition, yes all for it, but let's make sure we have a future as well.

REMEMBER ALL THIS LOVE AND RESPET---- WE WILL STAY BLUE VT SAID, IVE LISTENED TO PUBLIC OPINION AND CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT CHANGING THE KIT TO RED-----ANYONE WITH A SHORT MEMORY REMEMBER THAT LAST JUNE--STILL FOLLOW CITY BUT WOULD NEVER BELIEVE A WORD VT SAYS WE ARE CARDIFF CITY NOT MALASIAN PUPPETS

He didn't promise to play the rest of the season in blue, why tell lies, just use the truth and the facts.
The statement read out two days after the repulsion at the rebrand was apologetic, and said it was never their intention to cause upset or disrespect, they said they would offer to walk away but stay with the club initially and try and help find new investors and we all know that was unlikely, we couldn't find investors previously, we were hardly likely to find them now the mess we were in.

They said that by withdrawing their investment and future plans that would allow the club to play in blue, but when questioned the CEO did say that if they did stop their current investment and propping us up, aat best we would only be able to trade for a fy, whyew more months before going out of business.

So we had the choice, play in blue, but it may have been for aa few months at most, or ask them to reconsider and provide the investment along with the rebrand, the shock waves ensured that the vast majority of true fans put the club's future ahead of their personal preferences in order that the club carried on trading.

So how that translates in to your version of accounts is beyond me.
95% were happy enough to wear the red scarf and show they were accepting of the situation, does mean they were happy, I'm not happy with the price w paid, but has I keep saying , as a real fan, it's not about what is best for me, it's about what's best for the club, and as for honoring our tradition, yes all for it, but let's make sure we have a future as well.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^absolutely correct Gwyn

But hey, some on here take the view of why let the facts get in the way of a good moan