Trust News

Trust chair Keith Morgan reports on a meeting between supporter representatives and club chair, Mehmet Dalman and staff at Cardiff City Football Club.

Dear Member,

We were invited by the club to a meeting chaired by Mehmet Dalman at 12.30 on 11 November 2023. Also in attendance from the club were Ken Choo, Wayne Nash, Amy James, Mark Denham and Paul Corkrey. Representatives from the Supporters Trust, Supporters Club, Disabled Supporters Group and the Travel Group also attended.

The last such meeting, which I reported to you, took place as recently as 7 October and it is encouraging that the Chairman is prepared to engage with fan groups on such a frequent basis even if there is not necessarily anything of great significance to impart. These meetings are very informal and Mehmet encourages questions from all parties. He has previously stated that these meetings are all part of his commitment to improved communication and he is certainly delivering on this.

A question was raised from the floor about the prospects of signings in the January transfer window. Mehmet stated that the Club’s first priority was to remain compliant with Profitability and Sustainability. He stated that we are on budget to be compliant but there was a need to convert budget to reality by ensuring monies owed to the Club are paid. Subject to these provisos the Club are keen to improve the squad. The question was raised that, if a substantial offer was received for an existing player would the club accept it. The response from Mehmet was that everything is on the table but the Club would be extremely reluctant to lose a player who was key to maintaining the current on field improvement.

The subject of the Club receiving sponsorship from a Vaping company was raised. The Trust, the Supporters Club and members of the Travel Group expressed their misgivings over such an arrangement. Ken Choo responded that, after the current contractual situation ceases, the position will be reviewed.

Mehmet mentioned that a meeting had recently taken place with Nantes FC officials in France ahead of the Emiliano Sala transfer litigation. I will get a further update on the current situation from Mehmet Dalman and the Club’s lawyers as soon as possible. Mehmet has given me permission to speak directly to the Club’s lawyers so will advise you as soon as possible.

I was asked by Mehmet to provide those present at the meeting with the implications of the King’s Speech in relation to the Government White Paper on Football Governance and the specific impact on Cardiff City FC and its fans. I will prepare a summary of these issues and circulate to Trust members as well as other supporter groups. On this point, the Trust is already in advanced discussions with Wayne Nash on the formation of a Fans Advisory Board (FAB).

All in all, it was a very relaxed meeting which was very informative. I understand that, especially in relation to sensitive subjects such as the ongoing litigation, Mehmet cannot be as forthcoming as he might like but I feel the fans are being kept more in the loop in respect of Club affairs than has previously been the case.

Keith Morgan

Chair

The award presented to the Trust

Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust has been honoured with an award for its ongoing commitment and support for the Veterans Hub and its work at the Memorial Garden at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The award given by the Cardiff City Football Club Veterans Hub followed an Armistice Day Service at the ground.

Trust Vice Chair Mike Spear With The Veterans Award

Trust vice-chair Mike Spear, who is also a veteran and works weekly at the Memorial Garden, said: “I was taken aback but delighted by the award.

“The Trust has always been extremely supportive of the work of the veterans on the Memorial Garden and the award is a recognition of that backing and the financial support given.”

Veterans have spent hundreds of hours working on and improving the Memorial Garden since it was opened 11 years ago.

Other awards went to Guardians For Heroes, an organisation of veterans helping veterans, which was received on is behalf by Paula Massey and an individual one to Cardiff City supporter Alun Phelps​, who is involved in the veterans match-day hub. 

The presentations were made by Michael Jeffery, Armed Forces Engagement Officer, who leads the Veterans Hub.

Award winners pictured are Alun Phelps, Paula Massey, Mike Spear and Michael Jeffery, who made the presentations.

Mark Tugwell, Cardiff Foodbank Operations Manager with Trust member David Craig (right)

Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust – with support from Cardiff City Football Club – is holding a fifth collection before Christmas to help those struggling in the continuing cost-of-living crisis.

A food donation point will be set up from 12.30pm close to the Trust office, near Gate 5, before Cardiff City’s clash with Millwall on Saturday, December 9^th, 2023.

Here is a list of food items most urgently needed by the foodbank: Easy Cook Pasta and Rice, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Tomatoes, Sponge Puddings, Long-life UHT Milk, Fruit Juice Long-life (both one litre), Shampoo, Shower Gel, Savoury Snacks and Chocolates/Sweets. No perishable food, please.

Food collected will be delivered to the Cardiff Foodbank well in time for Christmas.

Mark Tugwell, Operations Manager of the Cardiff Foodbank, said: “During the last financial year, Cardiff Foodbank distributed 19,253 emergency food parcels to people in need across the City of Cardiff.

“So far this financial year (April-September) we have distributed 9,933 parcels which is a 27.8% increase on the same period the previous year.

“We are continuing to see incredible generosity from the general public donating food and finance. However, like many food projects, we have seen a drop in our food donations so any donations are much needed to help us support people in food crisis.”

Trust vice-chair Mike Spear said: “Times are tough for so many with the continuing high cost of food and energy. While the need is greater than ever, donations to foodbanks have fallen as donors themselves struggle.

“The Trust is once again appealing to the generosity of Bluebirds fans to give whatever they can afford – whether it is just a single tin, a jar of food or a bag of items. Anything supporters give will be gratefully received and, hopefully, it will make Christmas a little easier for families and individuals on the breadline.

“Recent reports have revealed that three of the most deprived areas in Wales are in our capital city, highlighting the challenges many face.”

Mike Spear said that the Trust remained eternally grateful for the fabulous support from Cardiff City Football Club, its staff and players.

Cash donations to the foodbank can be made on the day. Fans can also donate online by clicking on the red Donate button in the top right-hand corner of your screen on the foodbank website –https://cardiff.foodbank.org.uk/

Commenting on the announcement of proposals for a Fans Advisory Board (FAB), Keith Morgan, chair of Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, said: “We are delighted that plans for a Fans Advisory Board at Cardiff City have reached an advantage stage.

“The Trust has been heavily involved in the whole project since the original publication of the Fan-Led Review which was then taken on by the UK Government.

“We’ve argued strongly that the vital role fans have in the clubs they support and that they should have a voice. It has been a long time coming.

“Once in place, we will ensure the views of all our members are properly conveyed and acted on by the club’s senior management on all key issues impacting on fans. The Trust intends to play a positive role on the FAB.”

Trust chair Keith Morgan and vice chair Mike Spear have been chosen by the Trust board to represent its membership on the new body.

Link to the club announcement: https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/cardiff-city-fc-fan-advisory-board

Who are you? Nick Williams 

Where do you live? Sully

What do you do for a living? Director responsible for Finance with a Welsh Government Sponsored Body in the public sector. 

Why did you join the Trust? I’ve been a lifelong supporter of the club and want to make a contribution to help improve the connection between City fans and the club’s management.

Why would you encourage fans to join the Trust? It’s an opportunity for you to have a say in communicating ideas and views to the club’s management via a recognised supporters’ body and at a modest annual financial cost. You can also help to influence how the local community can benefit from the Trust’s financial support and other activities.

Why did you seek election to the Trust Board? To make a direct contribution using my business skills to help deliver the Trust’s aims and objectives.

What is your aim for the Trust over the next 12 months? To encourage more supporters to become members of the Trust and for all members to have a voice in communicating with the club’s management and to help support local community activities.

How long have you supported City? I attended my first game with my grandfather in 1967 against Blackpool. 

What was your favourite City match? The play-off final v QPR.

Who is your favourite City player/s? Brian Clark, Tony Evans, Adrian Alston, John Buchanan, Michael Chopra, Andy Legg, Peter Whittingham.