City. A club in crisis?

Last updated : 02 March 2005 By Michael Morris
The boat starting rocking on Tuesday lunchtime. The Echo revealed that staff at Ninian Park had not been paid on Feb 28th. (Click headlines for stories).

City's Wage Crisis - South Wales Echo

Concerned staff contacted the newspaper.

David Temme states in the article

"There was a glitch last Friday with the wages but it was sorted out yesterday. It has happened before and it happens even in the most well-managed companies. But it is now behind us - that is the top and bottom of it.

"We regret this unfortunate matter but it does happen. We can clarify that there is no problem and everybody will get paid as expected, hopefully today."

With no other side to the story we have no option but to believe what's been said.

A further statement was promised by the club later on Tuesday. This came on the official website.

Official club statement - Cardiff City FC

For those not able to see the above statement it basically said in two small paragraphs that the club was reviewing certain aspects of it's operation in light of the delays to the new stadium which will not start until July or August. No mention on staff wages. Also to just about everyone this news that the stadium had been delayed again was the first time they'd heard anything about it.

Wednesday morning saw the publication of the Western Mail. In it they reported about the stadium delay. Complex legal issues said to be the cause of it.

New City Stadium Hits Fresh Delays - Western Mail

The various parties were putting a brave face on the hold-up last night, says the Western Mail, with Bluebirds bosses insisting work would start on the new stadium in July or August. No mention of staff wages.

Roll on Wednesday's Echo. Not just a follow up but seven seperate stories. I've linked them all below. First up more on the stadium delay.

Berman Disappointed at Stadium Delay

Supporters club representatives were then quoted as they told the fans to back the club.

Fans Told to Back Bluebirds

More has started to emerge about the wages situation. It appears that Sam has been paying the clubs wages from his own pocket and the current delay looks like carrying on into next week. The stories below say about the auditors being called in at Sam's request as he attempts to secure the future of the football club.

Job losses seem inevitable and the next few weeks / months look to be lean times for cardiff City FC.

There's so much information with the stories it's easier for you to read them yourself.

I'll fight my way through crisis - Hammam

Jobs will have to go at City

Your club is safe

The show goes on at City

Ending with an appeal from the editorial staff

Tell us the truth - Now

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Comment

The stories above throw up many questions and concerns, as supporters I can see little that we can do to stop or affect what's going on other than to show our support for the team and the club by turning up on Saturday and hopefully cheering the team to victory over Sheffield Utd.