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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.

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.