Trust News

Trust vice-chair Mike Spear reports on a meeting with club chairman Mehmet Dalman, chief executive Ken Choo and club representatives before yesterday’s Watford game.

We were invited by the club at very short notice to a meeting chaired by Mehmet Dalman at 12.15 pm on October 7th. Also in attendance from the club were Ken Choo, Philip Jenkins, Wayne Nash, Amy James, Mark Denham, James Bibby and Paul Corkrey. Representatives from the Supporters’ Trust, Supporters Club, Disabled Supporters Group and the Travel Group also attended.

Mehmet Dalman opened the meeting by saying that he had no agenda and the floor was open to questions from supporter Groups and the meeting was part of his commitment to improved communication.

The positive atmosphere surrounding the club at the moment was emphasised although the current injury list was a cause for concern. Mehmet commented on the defeat at Middlesbrough and the fact that the players had really taken it to heart.

There was discussion about improving attendance. Mehmet stated that the impact on the team of having a larger crowd was of more significant importance than the financial effect. The difficulties of public transport at the moment were of concern although issues with the rail services from the Valleys were beyond their control but the reinstatement of the bus service from Cardiff Central Station was a plus. It was agreed that the club’s work in the community was important, specifically schools. A supporter rep mentioned an opportunity at Llanishen High School for players to be involved and Amy James undertook to look into the matter.

The positive news of the insurance settlement was welcomed. He mentioned the lengthy negotiations that Ken Choo had undertaken the outcome of which will remain confidential.

Finance director Philip Jenkins confirmed that the provision in the balance sheet had been utilised to cover the payment in full of the Emiliano Sala transfer fee. He also confirmed that the insurance settlement sum had been received. As a consequence of the application of the balance sheet provision to offset the Sala transfer fee the insurance settlement was “bunce money”. When asked if any of it would be available to strengthen the team in January, Mehmet carefully responded that due consideration would be given to ensure compliance with profit and sustainability before making any such decision. However, he did say that the club had tried to sign a player this week but there were some legal issues that could not be overcome.

Mehmet was asked about the latest situation regarding the Nantes litigation. He commented that it was ongoing but thought that he might be in a position to provide a further update nearer Christmas.

Mehmet was asked about players out on loan and whether their progress was being tracked as there was a suggestion that some of them may not be getting the game time that the club might like. He stated that he would get the Academy Manager to review the situation.

Keith Morgan, Trust Chair

Trust chair Keith Morgan writes to Trust members on the announcement of a settlement with insurers over the death of Emiliano Sala.

The club has formally announced that they have reached a settlement with Miller Insurances LLP in respect of the High Court Claim in connection with the tragic death of Emiliano Sala.

The terms of the settlement between the parties are to remain confidential.

At the meeting between the club and fan groups on August 12, 2023, Mehmet Dalman provided an update on litigation and stated that the Club was in “negotiations” with the insurers suggesting a possible settlement. However, he asked me not to report that in the note that he knows we always prepare for members as he was concerned that any publicity might compromise the negotiations that were taking place.

As you will know, the Emiliano Sala transfer fee has been settled in full and the transfer embargo has been lifted with effect from the January transfer window.

The payment of the transfer fee is likely to have been offset by the use of the provision made in the 2019-20 accounts to cover the outstanding fee so the receipt of this settlement will only enhance the current club financial situation and ensure compliance with the Profit and Sustainability rules.

This is, indeed, a good news story

You will recall that we alerted you to a production of a play entitled Keenor: The Original Bluebird. The life of Cardiff City Captain Fred Keenor from the Horrors of World War 1 to victory at  Wembley in 1927.
The first performance took place on Friday, August 25^th, and was very well received.

Trust member Graham Terrell wrote to the Trust after attending the first performance.

“I came down from London a day early to go and see the show.  I thought it was superb, both the play and the writer who played his character, Fred Keenor, himself.

“I have spent some time on stage myself, and I know after Friday that Rhys Deans has quality as a writer and as a performer, and both are shown in his play.  It deserves and should have many more performances in and around as many venues as possible in Cardiff, especially at the CCFC Stadium.

“Thank you for a splendid evening to Rhys Deans and to the Trust for bringing the event on Friday to my attention. Everyone who hasn’t been to the show should make sure they make it to the performance on September 15th.”

Author and Bluebird Rhys Deans will put on his next performance at Little Man Coffee Co, Ivor  House, Bridge St, Cardiff CF10 2EE on September 15th, 2023 – doors  open at 7pm

Details of ticketing can be found on the enclosed link.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keenor-the-original-bluebird-tickets-630709187157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Keith Morgan, Trust Chair

Trust chair Keith Morgan reports to Trust members on a meeting held before yesterday’s match against QPR between the club and fan groups

Dear Member,

As I promised, here is a note of the meeting that took place prior to the QPR game between Mehmet Dalman and representatives of Fan groups

Attending from the club were Mehmet Dalman (Chair), Ken Choo (Chief Executive), Phillip Jenkins (Finance Director), Wayne Nash (Director of Operations), Amy James (Head of Fan Experience), Mark Denham ( Head of Communications), Paul Corkrey (Supporters Liaison Officer).

Members of the Supporters Trust, Supporters Club, Disabled Supporters Group and Travel Group were also present.

Mehmet Dalman welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated his intention to hold more informal meetings to improve links with fans over and above the formal meetings that already take place.

A broad range of issues were discussed in a very informal and positive atmosphere. It was agreed by all that the season was commencing in a very positive light and everyone was looking forward to the new league campaign.

The issue of new signings was raised. MD was hoping that 2 further signings, one permanent one loan, would be made before the window closes.  There would also be further players being loaned out. He also paid tribute to the vision and efforts of Steve Borley in the recruitment of Aaron Ramsey.

MD stated that the litigation with Nantes and the Club’s Insurers is continuing.

The question was raised concerning the projected financial position for the current season. Phillip Jenkins stated that the expectation was that the club would trade within the permitted limits of Profit and Sustainability. He reminded the meeting that the payment in full of the Emiliano Sala transfer was covered by the provision made in the balance sheet in the 2018/19 accounts. He also mentioned that the financial position of the club would be under close scrutiny by the EFL to ensure our compliance.

Phillip Jenkins stated that current season ticket sales were 14,200, a position that the club was very pleased with given the poor season we had last year.

Wayne Nash outlined the club’s approach to a Fan Advisory Board which is one of the recommendations of the Fans Led Review of Football. He referred to consultations he had had with Supporters Groups and stated that he envisaged a Fan Advisory Board meeting 4 times per year. There will need to be further discussions to move this issue forward. Wayne also stated that there would be a twice-yearly Fans’ Parliament open to a wider group of fans as well as the usual Supporter Liaison meetings.

Ken Choo emphasised the club’s continuing commitment to producing a programme. He mentioned that they would be looking to utilise more recycled paper in its production which is in line with the Club’s pursuance of the EFL Green Clubs Scheme.

Keith Morgan 

Chair