Bluebirds chief insists fans will accept colour change

Chief executive Alan Whiteley believes Cardiff City’s decision to change the colour of their home kit from blue to red represents progress rather than a disregard for the club’s traditions.

The Bluebirds’ Malaysian owners formally unveiled the new image for the club on the official website, cardiffcityfc.co.uk, yesterday morning, stating that the changes would take “immediate effect”.

The switch – which also includes a new club crest incorporating a main image of a dragon, with a small bluebird inserted underneath, and carrying the slogan “Fire and Passion” – is designed to make Cardiff more marketable in Asia.

In addition to the new kit, the club have announced plans to build a brand-new training ground, pay off debt, provide manager Malky Mackay with a substantial transfer kitty, and explore the possibility of expanding the Cardiff City Stadium.

However, the colour change has angered many Cardiff fans, who have accused the club of putting money ahead of history and tradition.

Whiteley, while sympathetic to the supporters’ feelings, disagrees and insists the move will make the Bluebirds more attractive commercially and therefore help the club in its bid to reach the Barclays Premier League.

He said: “We are only too aware that the change of colour is a radical and some would say revolutionary move which will be met with unease and apprehension by a number of supporters, along with being seen as controversial by many.

“To those I would like to say that this was not a decision that has been taken lightly. But we also have to be prepared to be realistic and progressive. The changes are believed to be vital to enable the club to progress to the next stage in its development and very much in the club’s best long-term interests.

“Sometimes in difficult economic times and challenging market conditions, in order to attract investment to survive and progress, brave, bold and compelling decisions and sacrifices need to be taken and made.

“The changes to the home kit and badge introduced as a consequence of the investment package are designed to help the club to develop its brand and to allow it to expand its appeal to as wide an audience as possible. By securing this investment we can safeguard the immediate and long-term future of this club.”

Whiteley is confident that, in time, supporters will accept, and welcome, the changes.

He added: “History and traditions are the lifeblood of any club and as such should be jealously guarded and preserved. Both the board and our investors fully understand and respect this.

“As a board, we believe these changes, in the light of the benefits that will be demonstrably delivered, have been or will be accepted by the vast majority of supporters.”

Chairman Dato’ Chan Tien Ghee says the changes are merely superficial and do not interfere with the club’s traditions.

He said: “I know and understand that there have been reservations over the changes accompanying the investment but this club will always be Cardiff City Football Club and its name and heart will never change. The adoption of the new badge recognises its history and creates a symbolic fusion with Asia which will allow us to fly the Welsh flag on behalf of Cardiff wherever we go.

“I sincerely hope that all of our loyal fans will come to accept the changes in the spirit in which they are made and continue with their passionate and fantastic support.”