Trust News

Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust has issued a statement in the wake of the announcement that a Safe Standing pilot scheme will operate at the Cardiff City Stadium from January, 2022.

Trust chair Keith Morgan, commenting on the announcement that Cardiff City is to become a Safe Standing Pilot, said: “It’s great that our club is leading the way in The Championship in developing a Safe Standing area in the stadium. This gives those fans who prefer to stand at matches a much safer way of doing so.

“It is also important to acknowledge Wayne Nash, the club’s head of operations, for his work in ensuring the Cardiff City Stadium application was approved for this pilot by the relevant authorities. Also, we would also recognise the club’s management for providing the necessary funds to put Safe Standing in place from the start of 2022. This is very good news for football fans.”

UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “I’m pleased to approve these five clubs as early adopters of licensed safe standing areas for the second half of the season.The time is now right to properly trial safe standing in the Premier League and EFL Championship ahead of a decision on a widespread roll-out.”

• Since 1994, grounds in the first and second tiers of the English football pyramid have been required by law to be all-seaters. Cardiff City is joining 4 Premier League clubs – Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the trial.

Representatives of the Trust, Supporters Club, Disabled Supporters Group plus other fans representatives were invited at short notice to a meeting with Mehmet Dalman, Ken Choo and other club representatives at 11.00 am on the morning of the Middlesbrough home game. The meeting was conducted primarily by Mehmet with occasional contributions by Ken. Given the dire form of the team at the moment it was a sobering experience with further bad news about the financial situation the club finds itself in.

In terms of overall finances. MD stated categorically that there would be no transfer funds available for not only the January transfer window but also next summer. As a number of players’ contracts expire this summer it will be challenging for the incumbent manager. MD stated that Vincent Tan is looking to restructure the finances of the club although specific detail of this proposal was not forthcoming. MD reiterated statements he has made in the past that VT has turned down offers to buy the club and restated VT’s wish that, if he does sell, he will wish to part with the club with it in a better position than when he acquired it. MD emphasised throughout how financially reliant the club is on VT.

The future of Mick McCarthy was discussed at length. Questions from the floor were raised about the possibility of a Director of Football. MD stated that it is an idea which he favours and has put the suggestion forward to VT who, after consideration, turned down the proposal. In terms of any decision regarding the future of Mick McCarthy he emphasised that such a decision would be solely in the hands of VT and no one else. Given that we now know that the Club and MM have parted company, VT’s decision must either have been pre-prepared dependent upon today’s result or sought and communicated very quickly. It was suggested from the floor that, given the success, we are currently experiencing at U23 level, Steve Morison could be appointed as an interim measure whilst the club sorted out a long-term replacement. MD pointed out, given the real risk of relegation, the inherent risks of such an approach. As we now know that is exactly what has happened so we can only assume that the club has risk assessed that approach.

MD gave his assessment of the legal cases currently facing the club. In terms of the court case currently taking place in Cardiff re the arrangements for the fatal flight carrying Emiliano Sala.  He commented on the fact that the evidence was confirming the link directly from the deceased pilot to Henderson to Willie McKay who was acting on behalf of Nantes FC. MD stated that, should the club’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) be unsuccessful, the possibility than would exist for action in the French courts against Nantes FC for the negligent flight arrangements. Interestingly, MD stated categorically that both he and KC were opposed to the transfer of Emiliano Sala and that Neil Warnock had gone over their heads and appealed directly to VT persuading him to approve the transfer which he duly did. MD was asked from the floor why the club was dealing with McKay who had lost his status as a football agent and had also been declared bankrupt. MD’s only answer to that question was that the world of football was full of people like him.

The Michael Isaacs case concerns the dilution of his shareholding by VT’s significant conversion of debt to equity. MD was somewhat dismissive of this action in that Michael Isaac’s valuation of his shareholding would vastly overvalue the club as an entity, mostly a loss-making entity!

In terms of the Sam Hammam case. He implied that Peter Ridsdale was acting in concert with Sam Hammam against the club. If any EFL club are involved in significant litigation the EFL requires that is informed of developments. MD suggested that Ridsdale’s position on the board of the EFL could lead to a conflict of interest.

In response to a question from the floor, MD confirmed that he receives no salary from the club in his position as Chairman.

Fans present were critical of the level of communication with supporters and MD mentioned the possibility of quarterly online meetings. It was also suggested from the floor that an invite be sent to social media outlets such as those who run fan messageboards so that they receive factual updates rather than misleading interpretations that often get posted.

One of the consistent themes throughout the meeting was the absolute control of VT over all matters of significance. MD described the Cardiff City Board as being “unique” in that it is dominated by the owner and (virtually) 100% shareholder. As I have already mentioned MD stated that the change of manager decision was in the hands of VT, all major decisions require the rubber stamp of VT even down to the style of football.

Apparently, VT favours the “direct” style of football which has been a feature of our play in recent times. The fact that this contrasts significantly with the style of football played by our successful Development teams and may risk us not hanging on to our most promising players was pointed out from the floor

Keith Morgan

Chair

Keith Morgan (pictured) and Rob Jeffery represented the Trust at this week’s Cardiff City Supporters’ Liaison Meeting and below are the notes from that meeting.

Supporters Liaison Meeting 14 October 2021

Present:

Wayne Nash (Head of Operations)

Mona Sabbuba (Head of Ticketing)

Paul Corkrey (Supporters Liaison Officer)

Representatives of :-

Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust

Cardiff City Supporters Club

Disabled Supporters Group

South Wales Police

Away travel coach organisers.

The club will be publishing formal minutes of the meeting but here is a broad overview of the proceedings.

The meeting was run by Paul Corkrey (universally known as Corky) who has replaced Adam Gilliatt as Supporters Liaison Officer. His rôle it is to act as a link between the Club and Supporters Groups.

Covid Passes

Wayne Nash outlined the difficulties faced by the club (and Swansea and the WRU) in implementing the requirements of the Welsh Parliament. It was recognised by the club that the process has not been straightforward for the supporter to obtain either a digital or paper copy of the pass. They have provided guidance on their website in respect of acquiring the necessary documentation, however, they are determined to make a difficult situation work. “Outer perimeters” will be set up within the stadium car park through which fans will be funnelled to have their passes checked. The existing body and bag checks that take place immediately before accessing the turnstile will continue. In order to be as helpful as possible, for those who do not have the necessary documentation the club will make available Lateral Flow Tests although they did point out that results would need to be uploaded to the NHS website to complete the process. Yet again, not an easy process but the club is trying to do its best under the circumstances. The pass checking process prior to the game will be kept under constant review and risk assessed accordingly. The home game against Middlesbrough on 23 October will be the first occasion on which the new rules will be implemented. Middlesbrough FC has been made aware of the fact that their travelling supporters will be obliged to comply with Welsh Government requirements which the EFL have reinforced. A positive note was that the club undertook to continue, whenever possible, the socially distanced seating arrangements in the Upper Ninian Stand. The club will be publishing specific details of how the process will be managed in due course.

Supporters Code of Conduct

The requirement for evidence of double vaccination or negative test will mean a significant revision to the document. The club will be publishing version 5 as soon as possible.

Forthcoming Away Fixtures

The club outlined at length the logistical arrangements for away coaches for the Swansea game. This fixture is the only one where City fans have the added complication of the Covid Pass on top of what is already a problematic away fixture. The club also announced ticket allocations and pricing structures for away fixtures at Fulham, Stoke and Preston North End.

Safe Standing

Wayne Nash outlined the work the club has carried out to provide safe standing areas at the rear of the Canton Stand and in the away section. He said that the club recognise that some supporters do wish to stand and they have tried to cater for that. Wayne emphasised that providing these areas has been achieved in the context of stringent financial conditions in the club and spending in the order of £75,000 has been made to arrive at the current situation. He also inferred that, if we were to be promoted to the Premier League again, the standing areas in the Canton and away section would be expanded.

Season Ticket/Reward Card 

Mona referred to the delays in issuing the season ticket cards which were solely down to activating the reward functionality of the card by an external provider. Whilst the card can be used as a stadium entry card only, she did refer to the fact that many fans had activated the reward aspect of the card and uploaded funds to spend using the card. She reminded everyone that this benefits not only the cardholder but also the club and urged fans to take advantage of this.

Anti Social and Hooligan Behaviour at Games

Police representatives outlined a depressing litany of incidents at various games so far this season. Mostly minor in nature and some avoidable with more informed liaison between respective clubs and Police Forces. The most serious incidents took place at the Millwall home game whereby a steward was knocked down and repeatedly punched on the ground. A total of 10 arrests of Millwall fans during and subsequent to the game have taken place. They will be subject to action in the courts and will be banned for life by Millwall. However, the incidents that will have the biggest impact on the club are the 3 pitch invasions at the Brighton Carabao Cup game which will likely result in a 5 figure fine for the City as well as the reputational damage that goes with it.

Memorial Garden at CCS

After the previous item, the mood of the meeting was lifted when Wayne Nash outlined progress with the development of the Memorial Garden. Its maintenance and development is carried out by local military veterans who volunteer their services as well as other volunteers. Their activity not only enhances the garden but also has a beneficial impact on the volunteers in terms of recuperation. The club keeps a watching eye on activity but leaves planning and managing the work to the volunteers who are planning further planting and the addition of benches. They also raise funds to finance their activities.

Remembrance  Day

The fixture against Huddersfield on 6 November is the nearest to Remembrance Day and the occasion will be marked by a Company of the Welsh Guards who will march at the stadium.  Shortly after they are due to be deployed to Iraq.

Unacceptable Chanting at Games

Under “Any Other Business” the issue of the unacceptability of the “Hymns and Arias” chant was raised from the floor. The sentiment was that the chant was unacceptable and totally distasteful and should be stopped. The Police representatives were in complete agreement with this view. Club representatives were also in agreement. This is not an easy situation to resolve but the general consensus was that it should be pursued. The Trust will follow up on this issue with the other supporters’ groups.

 

 

 

 

It is with deep regret that we have to report the passing of Trust board member Tony Holloway.

Tony, who joined the Trust board earlier this year, lived in Pontypridd and was an independent financial adviser.

Tony joined the board saying he wanted to see a stronger voice for fans in its relationship with the club and wanted to see better communications.

He was a Bluebirds fan for more than 50 years, watching his first match immediately after the European Cup Winners’ Cup Semi-Final v SV Hamburg in 1968.

Trust chair Keith Morgan said: “We are all absolutely devastated and stunned at the sudden passing of Tony who had been due to attend a board meeting earlier this week.

“Although Tony only joined the board earlier this year, he was already making a very valuable contribution to our work on behalf of fans. Tony was a loyal and fervent supporter of the Bluebirds who always wanted the best for the team. We offer our sincerest condolences to Tony’s family.”

Who are you?  Jeremy Williams

Where do you live?  Penarth

What do you do for a living?  Account Manager for an IT Solutions and Services Provider.

Why did you join the Trust? To help with building a stronger relationship between our club and supporters.

Why would you encourage fans to join the Trust? By growing the number of Trust members will ensure it has a greater voice within its dealings with the club which will help with clarity and understanding of what goes on day-to-day.

Why did you seek election to the Trust Board? Having followed the activities of the Trust since its inception I thought the time was right to contribute to their work and assist with its growth, development and activities in the future.

What is your aim for the Trust over the next 12 months?  Growing the number of Trust members is key to a better working relationship with the club – that has to be our aim in the future.

How long have you supported City? I first attended a City match in early 1969, I don’t remember too much about it as I stood at the front of the old Enclosure with my Uncle and could hardly see a thing!

What was your favourite City match?  I never forget the crowd at the Hereford game in the mid-70’s, absolutely packed after Malcolm Allison’s comments that we’d never fill Ninian Park! Also taking my son Alex to his first match in 2002 – a quiet game involving City and Leeds United in the FA Cup; what an introduction to the club that was for him!

Who is your favourite City player/s?  After 50-odd years of supporting City there are so many players that stick in the memory such as John Toshack, Brian Clark, Tony Evans, Phil Dwyer, Graham Kavanagh, Peter Thorne, Michael Chopra and Peter Whittingham.