Tucker - After backing the rebrand was it worth it?

After backing Cardiff City's controversial rebrand Steve Tucker now asks 'was it worth it?


Tuesday 9th Dec 2014

Steve Tucker looks back at Cardiff City's rebrand and questions whether it was worth backing as the stands have lost their sense of camaraderie and fellowship.

Those Cardiff City supporters of a certain vintage will remember it well.

For me personally it was the wide open spaces of the Bob Bank terrace, stood, often freezing, hands in pockets, head slumped as the Bluebirds fell behind to the likes of Torquay or was it Halifax?

There were at least 2,000 other brave souls (or was that idiots?) there to witness the drab scene, those who just could not stop themselves turning up to see their beloved side whether it be in the basement, FA Cup or a crunch Auto Windscreen second-round clash.

You often went because you felt you had to, drawn by the glare of the famous floodlights or lured by the aroma of heart-attack inducing hot dogs. It was not necessarily fun, far from it, but what there was in those echoing stands was camaraderie, a feeling of fellowship, the understanding that this side maybe rubbish, but they are our rubbish side.

Even in the darkest moments at Ninian Park, as a third Lincoln goal bulged the net for example, still the voices would be raised: ‘Bluebirds! Bluebirds!’ Call it gallows humour if you like, call it sheer madness, but there was something there on the terraces, a spark, a buzz even. Right now at Cardiff, that is gone.

The numbers maybe greater, the stadium maybe grander, the football allegedly of a higher standard, but right now the atmosphere at a Bluebirds’ home game, well, let’s be frank, it sucks. Those who attended the most recent home matches against Reading and Rotherham cannot fail to have noticed the apathy that seems to seep from the stands right now and the Bluebirds actually won the Reading game! In fact that made it five home wins on the bounce, but still the lethargy persists.

When it comes to judging him on a results basis it has to be said new manager Russell Slade passes with flying colours. The ship has been steadied after the disappointing reign of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Bluebirds are two points off the play-offs now, but the standard of football has been poor. Anyone who witnessed the 0-0 draw with the Millers last weekend will testify to that, indeed in footballing terms at least things seem to have taken a huge step backwards.

But if Slade and his men do, of course, up to a point have a responsibility to entertain, to lift the crowd through the way they conduct themselves on the pitch, then that surely only tells a party of the story of why the atmosphere at the Cardiff City Stadium is just so poor right now.

After all, in those now seemingly halcyon days we recall at Ninian Park when only a few thousand turned up, some of the football, actually most of it, was absolutely dire, but still there was that buzz around the ground and the hope that things might get better

Why does that seem to have evaporated now? We know why, it does not take a genius to work it out, it is because is Bluebirds supporters now feel the club is not their own anymore, most have lost that feeling of kinship with an institution that was once a massive part of their lives and the responsibility for that parlous situation rests on the shoulders of just one man, Vincent Tan.

His ‘rebranding’ of the Bluebirds home shirts from blue to red and his decision to change the badge have left Cardiff supporters feeling totally disenfranchised. Surely in the history of the game a group of fans have not had to suffer as much ignominy as Bluebirds supporters in recent years?

Now there were those from the very start who decided to vote with their feet and turn their back on the club when the changes were announced and that is all well and good.

The majority of supporters, however, including myself, reluctantly went along with Tan’s bizarre idea, not because we liked it, but because we thought it was the only way of saving the club we loved. That seemed the stark choice back then.

Many promises were made off the back of the rebrand of course. Investment, debt turned to equity, the tantalising prospect of a ‘debt free club’ which, for those who had seen the Bluebirds on death’s door so often down the years, was almost literally a dream come true. The success, the riches apparently to come were fine, great, but were not the main motivation for most, safeguarding the club itself into the future was the most vital thing.

We know now that much of what was mooted back then has not come to pass, many of the promises made have not transpired.

Indeed the frightening thing is that currently the Bluebirds seem to hover in the same perilous position they did when the rebrand was introduced back in May 2012. The suggestion is that if Tan were to walk away now the club would implode, be destroyed, just as it apparently would have when the Malaysian businessman threatened to quit if his red shirts were not accepted in the first place more than two years ago.

It could actually be argued the club is in a worse state now with the increased level of debt run up.

You cannot blame supporters for looking at each other and wondering what on earth all the sacrifice was for, what the diluting of long-cherished beliefs was all about, a season in the Premier League which was terrible on the pitch and which saw events off it left the club looking a laughing stock?

Perhaps many of us sat silently in the stadium now are actually frozen. Dumbstruck by the realisation and shame that we have accepted our own fate, that even with the best intentions in the world we helped support the desecration of the history of a once proud club.

You have to be believe that Cardiff City will be healed at some point, that supporters will once more come together with one great voice. When, and in what state the club will be then though, well, only time will tell us that.

Loyal fans who pay their hard-earned cash have every right to feel disgruntled when forced to watch such drivel

Good write up by tucker imo

Tucker is a tw*t he was loving the rebrand, in fact his stories were very much like saying "if you dint back the rebrand then leave and let those of us who do, enjoy it"... He then said he was shocked that nobody got behind the back to blue campaign and it should be of great importance.

Tw*t.

People like Tucker are part of the blame and more than backed the Rebrand and the same with media Wales

He may be a tw*t and to blame annis but how many other twats do we all know in that case who backed it now either hate it or dont go anymore, thats just it he says "safeguarding the club itself into the future was the most vital thing" and a "Debt free club" as to why he accepted it. We are not any closer to either years on and why he dont think it was worth it which alot of people think the same in my opinion the write up in general is what most thought at the time.

He may be a tw*t and to blame annis but how many other twats do we all know in that case who backed it now either hate it or dont go anymore, thats just it he says "safeguarding the club itself into the future was the most vital thing" and a "Debt free club" as to why he accepted it. We are not any closer to either years on and why he dont think it was worth it which alot of people think the same in my opinion the write up in general is what most thought at the time.

Ian, there are some who not only backed,but led it and now say they were Blue all along

He may be a tw*t and to blame annis but how many other twats do we all know in that case who backed it now either hate it or dont go anymore, thats just it he says "safeguarding the club itself into the future was the most vital thing" and a "Debt free club" as to why he accepted it. We are not any closer to either years on and why he dont think it was worth it which alot of people think the same in my opinion the write up in general is what most thought at the time.

Ian, there are some who not only backed,but led it and now say they were Blue all along

Theres loads of them on here

He may be a tw*t and to blame annis but how many other twats do we all know in that case who backed it now either hate it or dont go anymore, thats just it he says "safeguarding the club itself into the future was the most vital thing" and a "Debt free club" as to why he accepted it. We are not any closer to either years on and why he dont think it was worth it which alot of people think the same in my opinion the write up in general is what most thought at the time.

Ian, there are some who not only backed,but led it and now say they were Blue all along

Theres loads of them on here

Only a few,the main 7 were banned

Just read that total pile of hypocritical bollocks from Tucker.

Together with a handful of thugs, a couple of high profile fans scaremongering in the media and that patsy Steve Borley, Tucker is undoubtedly up there as one of the lead characters in the farce that saw the rebrand get waved through with minimal fuss.

Now, aside from supporters who have a tendency to ridicule and talk down peaceful protest and any kind of dissent, I don't have too much of a beef with the many people who just wanted to continue to watch professional football in Cardiff. It wasn't for me but each to their own.

But for Tucker, Borley et al, I've nothing but contempt. To read Steve Tucker harping on about a problem that he helped to cause is laughable. He can cry himself a bloody river as far as I'm concerned.

Rant over...and breathe...

You never used to be this bitter Phil...get a grip.its only a colour.get back to living life ffs and ditch the negative people.

Its caused so much debate and trouble hurt anger anguish sorrow and rivalry all in our own club.

Its now almost finished me a devoted fan of my beloved home time club to which ive been so proud of for 34 years.

Vincent tan has ruined Cardiff City hes broken me my club I love isnt this one and im gutted angry and sickened.

It needs fixing back to the way it was but one stands firm v t its like punishment now the mans a crock and an idiot.
No point blaming each other one mans at fault tan

Its caused so much debate and trouble hurt anger anguish sorrow and rivalry all in our own club.

Its now almost finished me a devoted fan of my beloved home time club to which ive been so proud of for 34 years.

Vincent tan has ruined Cardiff City hes broken me my club I love isnt this one and im gutted angry and sickened.

It needs fixing back to the way it was but one stands firm v t its like punishment now the mans a crock and an idiot.
No point blaming each other one mans at fault tan

Very good and sadly true post

You never used to be this bitter Phil...get a grip.its only a colour.get back to living life ffs and ditch the negative people.

Anyone who says its just a colour is a disgrace as far as I am concerned.

It's a good article, but it's written by a massive hypocrite. Tucker was part of the red brigade when it all started.

Just read that total pile of hypocritical bollocks from Tucker.

Together with a handful of thugs, a couple of high profile fans scaremongering in the media and that patsy Steve Borley, Tucker is undoubtedly up there as one of the lead characters in the farce that saw the rebrand get waved through with minimal fuss.

Now, aside from supporters who have a tendency to ridicule and talk down peaceful protest and any kind of dissent, I don't have too much of a beef with the many people who just wanted to continue to watch professional football in Cardiff. It wasn't for me but each to their own.

But for Tucker, Borley et al, I've nothing but contempt. To read Steve Tucker harping on about a problem that he helped to cause is laughable. He can cry himself a bloody river as far as I'm concerned.

Rant over...and breathe...

There are quite a number who cherished the rebrand are now jumping on the "I was always blue".

f**k the hypocrites I say.

You never used to be this bitter Phil...get a grip.its only a colour.get back to living life ffs and ditch the negative people.

Bollocks Im sick of hearing its only a colour its not its everything Cardiff City is then and is now its are clubs identity and to be proud of its who we are its a belonging a passion all symbolized by the clubs colour and badge. Let me tell you it aint just a f*cking colour ok .
Some fans are hurting bad and if tan did it to any other club it would be no different. Its not just a colour its what makes us who we are or In fact who we were

Its caused so much debate and trouble hurt anger anguish sorrow and rivalry all in our own club.

Its now almost finished me a devoted fan of my beloved home time club to which ive been so proud of for 34 years.

Vincent tan has ruined Cardiff City hes broken me my club I love isnt this one and im gutted angry and sickened.

It needs fixing back to the way it was but one stands firm v t its like punishment now the mans a crock and an idiot.
No point blaming each other one mans at fault tan

Very good and sadly true post

The pain is getting worse not better annis im almost done every game is pain and anger im all beat up annis devastated annis I thought tan would listen but how wrong was I he never will its like punishment mate hurting big time crave my club back.

Tucks almost went as far as to criticise those that didn't want the rebrand... I'm glad that he now realises that he was wrong to do so.

Let's hope more reluctant reds realise that they were wrong.

I'd rather more people come out and support a return to blue, than to be silenced by the "I told you so" taunts by those who have always disliked the rebrand. Surely better late than never?

He may be a tw*t and to blame annis but how many other twats do we all know in that case who backed it now either hate it or dont go anymore, thats just it he says "safeguarding the club itself into the future was the most vital thing" and a "Debt free club" as to why he accepted it. We are not any closer to either years on and why he dont think it was worth it which alot of people think the same in my opinion the write up in general is what most thought at the time.

Ian, there are some who not only backed,but led it and now say they were Blue all along

Theres loads of them on here

Unfortunately it was 98% of our attendance home to Brighton.

Tucks almost went as far as to criticise those that didn't want the rebrand... I'm glad that he now realises that he was wrong to do so.

Let's hope more reluctant reds realise that they were wrong.

I'd rather more people come out and support a return to blue, than to be silenced by the "I told you so" taunts by those who have always disliked the rebrand. Surely better late than never?

I agree, there are not even a 100 hard core supporters, who had the balls to give up from the start of the rebrand and wore their heart on their sleeves. Many came on message boards and shouted loudly but most if them never attended games regularly anyway, the likes of TLG and Thames Valley Blue are the only ones who saw this coming ansd stuck by their principles. We all accepted it in various levels if we carried on attending games. In hindsight it was a huge mistake and we now know it's not about winning or even having a club that's solvent if it means one without any tradition that the supporters don't recognise

Tucks almost went as far as to criticise those that didn't want the rebrand... I'm glad that he now realises that he was wrong to do so.

Let's hope more reluctant reds realise that they were wrong.

I'd rather more people come out and support a return to blue, than to be silenced by the "I told you so" taunts by those who have always disliked the rebrand. Surely better late than never?

I agree, there are not even a 100 hard core supporters, who had the balls to give up from the start of the rebrand and wore their heart on their sleeves. Many came on message boards and shouted loudly but most if them never attended games regularly anyway, the likes of TLG and Thames Valley Blue are the only ones who saw this coming ansd stuck by their principles. We all accepted it in various levels if we carried on attending games. In hindsight it was a huge mistake and we now know it's not about winning or even having a club that's solvent if it means one without any tradition that the supporters don't recognise

Personally I feel now if we all had walked away we would have a red club and no turning back.

Its caused so much debate and trouble hurt anger anguish sorrow and rivalry all in our own club.

Its now almost finished me a devoted fan of my beloved home time club to which ive been so proud of for 34 years.

Vincent tan has ruined Cardiff City hes broken me my club I love isnt this one and im gutted angry and sickened.

It needs fixing back to the way it was but one stands firm v t its like punishment now the mans a crock and an idiot.
No point blaming each other one mans at fault tan

Very good and sadly true post

The pain is getting worse not better annis im almost done every game is pain and anger im all beat up annis devastated annis I thought tan would listen but how wrong was I he never will its like punishment mate hurting big time crave my club back.

The pain of this Rebrand is actually destroying our club week by week, game by game.

Tucks almost went as far as to criticise those that didn't want the rebrand... I'm glad that he now realises that he was wrong to do so.

Let's hope more reluctant reds realise that they were wrong.

I'd rather more people come out and support a return to blue, than to be silenced by the "I told you so" taunts by those who have always disliked the rebrand. Surely better late than never?

I agree, there are not even a 100 hard core supporters, who had the balls to give up from the start of the rebrand and wore their heart on their sleeves. Many came on message boards and shouted loudly but most if them never attended games regularly anyway, the likes of TLG and Thames Valley Blue are the only ones who saw this coming ansd stuck by their principles. We all accepted it in various levels if we carried on attending games. In hindsight it was a huge mistake and we now know it's not about winning or even having a club that's solvent if it means one without any tradition that the supporters don't recognise

Personally I feel now if we all had walked away we would have a red club and no turning back.

True Ian and the Red Brigade would of Won, it was important we kept the BLUE Alive

Tucks almost went as far as to criticise those that didn't want the rebrand... I'm glad that he now realises that he was wrong to do so.

Let's hope more reluctant reds realise that they were wrong.

I'd rather more people come out and support a return to blue, than to be silenced by the "I told you so" taunts by those who have always disliked the rebrand. Surely better late than never?

Exactly, we need to unite and go forward not I told you so. I hated the rebrand and still do, I wore my blue with pride when all them idiots wore red but did I turn a blind eye when I feared for the club and when we were challenging for the Prem ? Yes I did, like many others.
It's hurting now, badly! I long for the day it is returned.

People like Tucker are part of the blame and more than backed the Rebrand and the same with media Wales

Annis didn't Carl also back the rebrand? I seem too remember a reference he made to Kenny Huang who previously was linked to a takeover at Liverpool. Apparently (according to Carl) Huang and Tan were good friends, and Huangs favourite colour was red! He also went on to state that the rebrand could give you access to not millions but billions of pounds of chinese money? Forgive me if I'm wrong?

He may be a tw*t and to blame annis but how many other twats do we all know in that case who backed it now either hate it or dont go anymore, thats just it he says "safeguarding the club itself into the future was the most vital thing" and a "Debt free club" as to why he accepted it. We are not any closer to either years on and why he dont think it was worth it which alot of people think the same in my opinion the write up in general is what most thought at the time.

Ian, there are some who not only backed,but led it and now say they were Blue all along

Theres loads of them on here

Unfortunately it was 98% of our attendance home to Brighton.

Ross,one of my worst nights of ever supporting City,I walked out in disgust.

People like Tucker are part of the blame and more than backed the Rebrand and the same with media Wales

Annis didn't Carl also back the rebrand? I seem too remember a reference he made to Kenny Huang who previously was linked to a takeover at Liverpool. Apparently (according to Carl) Huang and Tan were good friends, and Huangs favourite colour was red! He also went on to state that the rebrand could give you access to not millions but billions of pounds of chinese money? Forgive me if I'm wrong?

Carl, Never backed it, he just never went against it as he felt Tan should be given a chance.
I had total hatred for it,Carl was more relaxed about it,but as time went on Carl saw sense and saw through Tan

Tucks almost went as far as to criticise those that didn't want the rebrand... I'm glad that he now realises that he was wrong to do so.

Let's hope more reluctant reds realise that they were wrong.

I'd rather more people come out and support a return to blue, than to be silenced by the "I told you so" taunts by those who have always disliked the rebrand. Surely better late than never?

Alex, I would love us all to be united as one,against the Rebrand and against Tan, but sadly there are still some who support Tan and some who dont care about the Rebrand.

Many of those that really cared and were hurt by it have now walked and I cant see them returning under Tan

Tucker like Media Wales are tin pot shitesters. Zero exclusive insight and informed opinion on anything and just trudging out stuff that is actually worse than free bloggers. Clockwatchers.

Personally I feel now if we all had walked away we would have a red club and no turning back.

True Ian and the Red Brigade would of Won, it was important we kept the BLUE Alive

Disagree with you both there Annis. If every ST holder (or several thousand) had asked for a refund when the nonsense started, we'd never have turned red.

Don't forget; the rebrand was initially reversed when it looked the fans would oppose it. It wasn't until the media, Borley and Gwyn's cheerleaders got going with the Red or Dead line that the red idea was re-introduced. If we as a fan base had stood strong against the propaganda and fought for our identity and heritage, the rebrand wouldn't have happened and Tan wouldn't have pumped in (and wasted) so much money. OK, promotion to the PL may not have happened either but wouldn't we be in a better position now?

If only we could turn the clock back...........it breaks my heart.