Cardiff owner denies ‘Dragons’ rebranding

The Malaysian billionaire, who has instigated the npower Championship leaders’ new crest and controversial colour change from blue to red, refused to rule out renaming the club Cardiff Dragons at the end of the season in an interview with BBC Sport.

That possibility caused anger amongst a number of City fans but Tan gave them his personal commitment that the change will not be happening, in a statement released yesterday.

“I can assure all supporters that we will not be changing our name from Cardiff City Football Club, a club I am very proud to be a part of,” it said.

“Our name is our identity and remains at our core. I would not want any of our supporters to be concerned that this change would be made, hoping that this personal commitment from  myself removes any fears.

“I believe the colour change is positive and will bring good tidings to Cardiff City Football Club.” Earlier, Tan had hinted that Cardiff’s name could be changed to Cardiff Dragons as part of further “rebranding” of the Welsh club if they win promotion to the Premier League.

“We will think about it when we know the final result of this season,” he said about the name Cardiff Dragons. “Then we will think what’s the best way to brand it.”

Under the management of former Celtic defender Malky Mackay Cardiff look poised for promotion this season.

They lead the Championship by eight points from second placed Watford and third-placed Hull City with a game in hand. There are 13 league matches remaining.

Tan also changed the club’s traditional bluebird emblem last year for that of a dragon and told BBC Wales he was prepared to make more changes, although any name change would have to be approved by the Premier League.

“A few were upset (by the colour change) but like in any business if we get 80 per cent or  75 per cent of the customers happy, with 20-25 per cent not happy, that’s fine,” he said. “If they don’t want to come to  support our business, that’s fine. We need the majority.”