Steve Borley answers fans questions
Wed Jan 14, 2015 8:52 pm
Cardiff City director Steve Borley has kindly taken the time to answer some of the questions put forward to him by City fans. Steve has given some really good and interesting replies.
The Q&A was arranged by Norm76 Thanks
Steve, I know you always have had the city in your blood, what Id like to know is if its true that during your tenure you had to remortgage your family home to pay bills at the club? Also did your love of the club almost cost you your marriage? It angers me that you recieve grief from some quarters when you've done more than most for us.
Steve replied.
I would like to clear this story up. At the time I became involved into Cardiff City I bought £330,000.00 of shares over the period of 18 months. At the same time I bought my house and took out a similar sized mortgage. I would not link the two but the fact was they were similar numbers and many people have questioned my sanity but it was my choice. My family have been my strength during my tenure on the board along with some very close friends. I have had the moral and financial support of the people close to me and in particular my wife Chrissie B has never once questioned our financial commitment and whilst I have often joked I have gambled my kids inheritance they have also supported me.
We have learned to live with the grief but during the early days it particularly effected the younger members of the family. The Llanrumney boys however took it in their stride.
There were scary moments and there were times where I dug deep along with Kim Walker and Paul Guy to pay the wages to keep us going in the hope we would turn the corner. I remember when I was Chairman they always seemed to play " rescue me" after the game which was very apt.
Id also like to know if those bloody stickmen ayatollah things were your idea and if so can you get rid of them now
Regards
Craig.
Steve replied.
I must admit I had an input. it was very much the same when we built the stadium I wanted a design in the seating so our tenants knew whose stadium it was. The white seats in the blue sections represents the wings and tail of the bluebird. I felt we needed to break up the solid red colour and many ideas were considered but felt the Ayatollah was most apt.
Hi Steve
I read somewhere you collect ccfc memrobilia. Whats is your favourite piece and why?
Thanks, Polo.
Steve replied.
I have plenty of memorabilia and enough to fill the Rompney Castle which I believe is the best Cardiff City Hub on the east of the city. I have some special items which I bought at auction 18 years ago which was the First Welsh Cap won by a City Player who also our first signing Jack Evans. I also have his 1925 cup final shirt and a collection of his medals and football effects. I also have the match worn shirt of Nigel Rees no 11 from the 1971 Real Madrid game.
People seemed to think we had an option of simply saying no to Tan's investment being deducted ten points and simply carrying on.
What do you think the scenarios were, and if liquidation was one of them, would was the reality of that, new club/new name? division two English League, or division six of the South West Gas League, or even division one, two or three of the Welsh League.
Steve replied.
The Fans may well have had the option the directors certainly did not given their fiduciary obligations. As Directors when faced with that scenario you have to act in the best interests of the creditors or risk being personally liable.
I don't think we would have been liquidated but I would not want to gamble on that. We had an unusual array of debt and given the size and complexity there would have been no guarantee a solution could be found. The doomsday scenario would have been liquidation and a new club formed and a long route back if you could find someone with the appetite to take on the task. If that had happened the stadium could have been a big problem because given its size we could not afford to open the doors and turn the lights on if we had to survive on non league income and attendances.
And how many people would need to turn up every game and what would they need to pay, just to keep our existing stadium open?
Steve replied.
probably 50000.!!!! The real income in the modern day is the TV revenues and sponsorship. In the premier league gate receipts only account for 20 percent of income for average clubs and as little as 10 percent for the big boys. We are working to reduce costs to get our cost base back to a situation we are less reliant on the owner.
Thanks.
BIGGWYNRAM
What's the strangest request from a player that you were aware of? (Obvs prob won't be able to name player)
Thanks
TH@UND@D@WG
Steve replied..
I will have to think about that nothing really comes to mind.
What's your highest & lowest point of being a City Fan?
Thanks CardiffAnt
Steve replied.
There have been a few occasions when I have had to make tough and emotional decisions to keep us going. I managed to get through those times with support from close family and friends when others stood back.
my lowest point was getting relegated at Gillingham, for me I was bitterly disappointed but also had to shoulder most of the responsibility. That was difficult.
Steve
as you know i have had lots of confrontations with people slating paul guy and mike hall off
can you clarify their efforts in keeping this club alive post sam and their contribution to ensuring the stadium fit out etc?
Thanks Steve Davies
Steve replied
The truth is For Paul and Mike it was a business deal and they never presented it was anything different. The were very supportive and without their financial support we could not have built the stadium. I could always trust their word and when I was Chairman count on Paul's Support.
They were never frightened to take tough decisions and they deserve a great deal of respect from City Fans for their part in delivering the stadium which gave the club the chance to grow.
Hi steve
in your time as a fan of this club,what are your best and worse memories?
Thanks BoxerBob
Steve replied
As I said Bob, Gillingham was a low point as was Blackpool and probably not making it in 71
my favourite moments are winning promotion at the Millennium Stadium, 1999 and promotion to the premier league and celebrations that followed.
The cup finals were day outs for me and was not disappointed at either loss but did enjoy Joe Ledley,s goal in the semi final.
I could also list the tackles made and goals scored by my hero Joe Dwyer and some of the sublime strikes by Peter whittingham
Hi Steve.
Favorite player ever in a (blue ) City shirt and why?
Thanks, Singapore Blue
Steve replied.
Tough choice between 2 city legends mentioned above and I think for pure class the modern day guy edges it.
Hi Steve
I know this is probably not a question for you Steve but as i know that the academy is close to your heart i will ask it anyway.
I truly believe that our club lacks a footballing identity at the moment. I look at clubs like Swansea, Southampton etc who seem to have an identity that runs all the way through their set up, do you think that this is the ultimate aim of the board now the main "identity" issue has been resolved?
Again, probably not a question for you but why doesn't the club use the knowledge and experience of someone like Craig Bellamy when looking to appoint managers and coaching staff? I have been instrumental in bringing Craig into the Academy and he is giving up his time to coach and mentor the younger age groups. Most players in his position could disappear into the sunset but he has chosen to give something back. Prior to that we introduced Scott this year and I would advocate getting more ex players involved but that is easier said than done as many move back to their hometowns when they retire.
I don't believe Craig has the temperament to do the job himself but i do believe he's worked with enough top players/coaches/managers to give an informed opinion and he would truly have the clubs best interests at heart.
Thanks Thehumblegringo
Steve replied
I have been instrumental in bringing Craig into the Academy and he is giving up his time to coach and mentor the younger age groups. Most players in his position could disappear into the sunset but he has chosen to give something back. Prior to that we introduced Scott this year and I would advocate getting more ex players involved but that is easier said than done as many move back to their hometowns when they retire.
I got the blues asked.
Hi Steve
What's the City game you enjoyed most ?
Cardiff coming back from behind against Swansea with the John Buchanan Exocet
Who's the best player City have had ?
So many, these are some of my favourite Ian Gibson, Arron Ramsey, Peter Whittingham, John Toshack, Tony Evans, Adrian Alston, Bellers and as I like Keepers David Marshall and Ron Healey
What was the first City game?
First Real game on my own was City V Hull 1970 when Tosh scored a hat trick and was sold shortly after.
My dad used to take me in at half time in the early sixties before we moved to Llanrumney in 1963. Got to see a few other games in the late sixties if we visited my Nan or uncle in Sloper Road .
The Q&A was arranged by Norm76 Thanks
Steve, I know you always have had the city in your blood, what Id like to know is if its true that during your tenure you had to remortgage your family home to pay bills at the club? Also did your love of the club almost cost you your marriage? It angers me that you recieve grief from some quarters when you've done more than most for us.
Steve replied.
I would like to clear this story up. At the time I became involved into Cardiff City I bought £330,000.00 of shares over the period of 18 months. At the same time I bought my house and took out a similar sized mortgage. I would not link the two but the fact was they were similar numbers and many people have questioned my sanity but it was my choice. My family have been my strength during my tenure on the board along with some very close friends. I have had the moral and financial support of the people close to me and in particular my wife Chrissie B has never once questioned our financial commitment and whilst I have often joked I have gambled my kids inheritance they have also supported me.
We have learned to live with the grief but during the early days it particularly effected the younger members of the family. The Llanrumney boys however took it in their stride.
There were scary moments and there were times where I dug deep along with Kim Walker and Paul Guy to pay the wages to keep us going in the hope we would turn the corner. I remember when I was Chairman they always seemed to play " rescue me" after the game which was very apt.
Id also like to know if those bloody stickmen ayatollah things were your idea and if so can you get rid of them now
Regards
Craig.
Steve replied.
I must admit I had an input. it was very much the same when we built the stadium I wanted a design in the seating so our tenants knew whose stadium it was. The white seats in the blue sections represents the wings and tail of the bluebird. I felt we needed to break up the solid red colour and many ideas were considered but felt the Ayatollah was most apt.
Hi Steve
I read somewhere you collect ccfc memrobilia. Whats is your favourite piece and why?
Thanks, Polo.
Steve replied.
I have plenty of memorabilia and enough to fill the Rompney Castle which I believe is the best Cardiff City Hub on the east of the city. I have some special items which I bought at auction 18 years ago which was the First Welsh Cap won by a City Player who also our first signing Jack Evans. I also have his 1925 cup final shirt and a collection of his medals and football effects. I also have the match worn shirt of Nigel Rees no 11 from the 1971 Real Madrid game.
People seemed to think we had an option of simply saying no to Tan's investment being deducted ten points and simply carrying on.
What do you think the scenarios were, and if liquidation was one of them, would was the reality of that, new club/new name? division two English League, or division six of the South West Gas League, or even division one, two or three of the Welsh League.
Steve replied.
The Fans may well have had the option the directors certainly did not given their fiduciary obligations. As Directors when faced with that scenario you have to act in the best interests of the creditors or risk being personally liable.
I don't think we would have been liquidated but I would not want to gamble on that. We had an unusual array of debt and given the size and complexity there would have been no guarantee a solution could be found. The doomsday scenario would have been liquidation and a new club formed and a long route back if you could find someone with the appetite to take on the task. If that had happened the stadium could have been a big problem because given its size we could not afford to open the doors and turn the lights on if we had to survive on non league income and attendances.
And how many people would need to turn up every game and what would they need to pay, just to keep our existing stadium open?
Steve replied.
probably 50000.!!!! The real income in the modern day is the TV revenues and sponsorship. In the premier league gate receipts only account for 20 percent of income for average clubs and as little as 10 percent for the big boys. We are working to reduce costs to get our cost base back to a situation we are less reliant on the owner.
Thanks.
BIGGWYNRAM
What's the strangest request from a player that you were aware of? (Obvs prob won't be able to name player)
Thanks
TH@UND@D@WG
Steve replied..
I will have to think about that nothing really comes to mind.
What's your highest & lowest point of being a City Fan?
Thanks CardiffAnt
Steve replied.
There have been a few occasions when I have had to make tough and emotional decisions to keep us going. I managed to get through those times with support from close family and friends when others stood back.
my lowest point was getting relegated at Gillingham, for me I was bitterly disappointed but also had to shoulder most of the responsibility. That was difficult.
Steve
as you know i have had lots of confrontations with people slating paul guy and mike hall off
can you clarify their efforts in keeping this club alive post sam and their contribution to ensuring the stadium fit out etc?
Thanks Steve Davies
Steve replied
The truth is For Paul and Mike it was a business deal and they never presented it was anything different. The were very supportive and without their financial support we could not have built the stadium. I could always trust their word and when I was Chairman count on Paul's Support.
They were never frightened to take tough decisions and they deserve a great deal of respect from City Fans for their part in delivering the stadium which gave the club the chance to grow.
Hi steve
in your time as a fan of this club,what are your best and worse memories?
Thanks BoxerBob
Steve replied
As I said Bob, Gillingham was a low point as was Blackpool and probably not making it in 71
my favourite moments are winning promotion at the Millennium Stadium, 1999 and promotion to the premier league and celebrations that followed.
The cup finals were day outs for me and was not disappointed at either loss but did enjoy Joe Ledley,s goal in the semi final.
I could also list the tackles made and goals scored by my hero Joe Dwyer and some of the sublime strikes by Peter whittingham
Hi Steve.
Favorite player ever in a (blue
) City shirt and why?Thanks, Singapore Blue
Steve replied.
Tough choice between 2 city legends mentioned above and I think for pure class the modern day guy edges it.
Hi Steve
I know this is probably not a question for you Steve but as i know that the academy is close to your heart i will ask it anyway.
I truly believe that our club lacks a footballing identity at the moment. I look at clubs like Swansea, Southampton etc who seem to have an identity that runs all the way through their set up, do you think that this is the ultimate aim of the board now the main "identity" issue has been resolved?
Again, probably not a question for you but why doesn't the club use the knowledge and experience of someone like Craig Bellamy when looking to appoint managers and coaching staff? I have been instrumental in bringing Craig into the Academy and he is giving up his time to coach and mentor the younger age groups. Most players in his position could disappear into the sunset but he has chosen to give something back. Prior to that we introduced Scott this year and I would advocate getting more ex players involved but that is easier said than done as many move back to their hometowns when they retire.
I don't believe Craig has the temperament to do the job himself but i do believe he's worked with enough top players/coaches/managers to give an informed opinion and he would truly have the clubs best interests at heart.
Thanks Thehumblegringo
Steve replied
I have been instrumental in bringing Craig into the Academy and he is giving up his time to coach and mentor the younger age groups. Most players in his position could disappear into the sunset but he has chosen to give something back. Prior to that we introduced Scott this year and I would advocate getting more ex players involved but that is easier said than done as many move back to their hometowns when they retire.
I got the blues asked.
Hi Steve
What's the City game you enjoyed most ?
Cardiff coming back from behind against Swansea with the John Buchanan Exocet
Who's the best player City have had ?
So many, these are some of my favourite Ian Gibson, Arron Ramsey, Peter Whittingham, John Toshack, Tony Evans, Adrian Alston, Bellers and as I like Keepers David Marshall and Ron Healey
What was the first City game?
First Real game on my own was City V Hull 1970 when Tosh scored a hat trick and was sold shortly after.
My dad used to take me in at half time in the early sixties before we moved to Llanrumney in 1963. Got to see a few other games in the late sixties if we visited my Nan or uncle in Sloper Road .
Re: Steve Borley answers fans questions
Thu Jan 15, 2015 12:32 am
Thanks Norms76 for your hard work
I enjoyed reading this bit 
Steve, I know you always have had the city in your blood, what Id like to know is if its true that during your tenure you had to remortgage your family home to pay bills at the club? Also did your love of the club almost cost you your marriage? It angers me that you recieve grief from some quarters when you've done more than most for us.
Steve replied.
I would like to clear this story up. At the time I became involved into Cardiff City I bought £330,000.00 of shares over the period of 18 months. At the same time I bought my house and took out a similar sized mortgage. I would not link the two but the fact was they were similar numbers and many people have questioned my sanity but it was my choice. My family have been my strength during my tenure on the board along with some very close friends. I have had the moral and financial support of the people close to me and in particular my wife Chrissie B has never once questioned our financial commitment and whilst I have often joked I have gambled my kids inheritance they have also supported me.
We have learned to live with the grief but during the early days it particularly effected the younger members of the family. The Llanrumney boys however took it in their stride.
There were scary moments and there were times where I dug deep along with Kim Walker and Paul Guy to pay the wages to keep us going in the hope we would turn the corner. I remember when I was Chairman they always seemed to play " rescue me" after the game which was very apt.
I enjoyed reading this bit
Steve, I know you always have had the city in your blood, what Id like to know is if its true that during your tenure you had to remortgage your family home to pay bills at the club? Also did your love of the club almost cost you your marriage? It angers me that you recieve grief from some quarters when you've done more than most for us.
Steve replied.
I would like to clear this story up. At the time I became involved into Cardiff City I bought £330,000.00 of shares over the period of 18 months. At the same time I bought my house and took out a similar sized mortgage. I would not link the two but the fact was they were similar numbers and many people have questioned my sanity but it was my choice. My family have been my strength during my tenure on the board along with some very close friends. I have had the moral and financial support of the people close to me and in particular my wife Chrissie B has never once questioned our financial commitment and whilst I have often joked I have gambled my kids inheritance they have also supported me.
We have learned to live with the grief but during the early days it particularly effected the younger members of the family. The Llanrumney boys however took it in their stride.
There were scary moments and there were times where I dug deep along with Kim Walker and Paul Guy to pay the wages to keep us going in the hope we would turn the corner. I remember when I was Chairman they always seemed to play " rescue me" after the game which was very apt.