tan aint going anywhere

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan returns: Find out what happened when Malaysian billionaire met Bluebirds players and fans
15:39, 28 February 2015 By Terry Phillips
Football correspondent Terry Phillips was invited to meet with owner Vincent Tan as he returned to Cardiff City Stadium

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Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan waves to the crowd
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Pictures: Look what happened when Tan returned
So, after nine long months, Vincent Tan has finally returned to Cardiff.

Wearing the blue shirt that has been at the heart of his divisive reign, this was a very different Tan. Indeed, this is a very different Cardiff from just a couple of months ago.

While it’s fair to say the atmosphere around the club remains one of some concern amid indifferent results and rising debt, the toxic bitterness towards the owner has undoubtedly gone since his decision to reverse the most controversial of rebrands less than two months ago.

Prior to kick-off, Tan mixed with supporters, signing autographs, posing for selfies and mixing warmly with those who had perhaps once been against him. There was even an ayatollah or two thrown in for good measure.

Earlier, as he arrived at Cardiff City Stadium, Tan was in jovial mood and, of course, predicting a Bluebirds victory.

 While not keen to do formal interviews, the Malaysian billionaire agreed to meet with me for a chat ahead of kick-off.


WATCH: Tan is given a warm welcome by Cardiff City fans
Stood in the press box of the empty stadium more than two hours before the game, Tan greeted me warmly as he mingled with some of the players on their arrival at the ground.

Aron Gunnarsson, Peter Whittingham and captain David Marshall all engaged in deep conversation with the owner, listening intently as he told them of his desire for a shoot-on-sight policy from the team.

He had been told that Whittingham had scored a hat-trick against Wolves when they last came to Cardiff City Stadium and he jokingly told the midfielder: “We want the same again please.”

Sadly, just a few hours later, Whittingham was sent off as the Bluebirds toiled in a 1-0 defeat.

There was, though, one player in particular who Tan was very keen to meet.

Vincent Tan, dressed in blue, poses for a picture with Eoin DoyleVincent Tan, dressed in blue, poses for a picture with Eoin Doyle
More: Cardiff City v Wolves LIVE

Eoin Doyle, recently bought from lowly Chesterfield was the subject of Tan’s interest and it soon became clear this was a young man he has high hopes for.

Smiling broadly, Tan insisted: “Eoin will score goals for us,” as he confirmed he watches all of City’s matches via online streams wherever he is in the world. He is even able to watch them when he is on his private jet.

Doyle, still wearing his matchday suit prior to getting changed, was greeted with enthusiasm and thanked Tan for bringing him to the club.

Then, it was time to address the rest of the squad as Tan joined manager Russell Salde and headed for the dressing room.

Standing alongside the boss, he talked to the team, telling them of his commitment to the football club and hopes for the future.

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan meets Terry PhillipsCardiff City owner Vincent Tan meets Terry Phillips
That commitment was perhaps shown once again prior to our meeting, with news Tan has put another few million pounds of his own money into the club over the next few months to help with operating costs for the rest of this season.

So, what of Cardiff’s chances of promotion?

Well, one man who may now be hoping the Bluebirds don’t mount a late surge for the play-offs might be chairman Mehmet Dalman, who could find himself in an embarrassing predicament if the Bluebirds do turn things around.

Tan mischievously revealed to the players the chairman and owner have shaken hands on a bet that will see Dalman streak naked across the Cardiff pitch if they can gain promotion this season.

If they miss out, Dalman will select a restaurant of his choice where Tan must take him for a meal.

Joking aside, Tan has clearly not ruled out a late chase for the play-offs, saying: “If we can go on a run it’s a possibility.”

How do they do this?

“We need goals. We need to shoot more,” he added

The message from the owner, it seems, is perfectly clear.

I'm glad he had a good reception.
He's made one mistake and now rectified it, time to move on.
With the new TV deal with SKY/BT plus overseas rights I don't think he'll be going anywhere soon.

Tan not ruled out play-offs. 'If we can go on a run, it's a possibility.'

I just want the madness to end

Tan not ruled out play-offs. 'If we can go on a run, it's a possibility.'

I just want the madness to end

What do you want him to say ? We are craps lets not bother turning up ?

Tan not ruled out play-offs. 'If we can go on a run, it's a possibility.'

I just want the madness to end

What do you want him to say ? We are craps lets not bother turning up ?

well, that would be the most honest assessment of where we are in relation to what was the expectation this season.

However, something that sounds decent for a struggling owner would be a sound-bite such as 'we are building a new team, with a new management and they have my full backing to get the club moving forward.' Personally, I would prefer the owner of CCFC to distance himself from ridiculous notions such as a promotion challenge

Until it's mathematically impossible he has to say we're still going for it.
Cheer up Thomas

Until it's mathematically impossible he has to say we're still going for it.
Cheer up Thomas

true, sometimes a bad idea posting so soon after a defeat

He is mad, I was laughing. I didn't applaud him but if this was his attempt to break the ice he succeeded. Judging by his reception it seems he now has more fans onside than not. He's done some crazy things but I for one always look forward.

I heard he has bought a sun bed shop in Pencoed

I heard he has bought a sun bed shop in Pencoed

Lol

That's nice of him to add a few more million to the debt to cover the rest of the season.

Now Tan has returned us to our rightful colours and in my opinion showed character facing the fans wearing the blue shirt I just hope now he keeps his personal grudges out of the limelight.

I would rather him come out with something like what his plans are for the club such as mentioned above about supporting the management. I do believe he needs some footballing PR training.

Now Tan has returned us to our rightful colours and in my opinion showed character facing the fans wearing the blue shirt I just hope now he keeps his personal grudges out of the limelight.

I would rather him come out with something like what his plans are for the club such as mentioned above about supporting the management. I do believe he needs some footballing PR training.

agree ,hope the badge is good also