Dear Members
Well, what a season it has been. Promotion after last season's misery and full credit needs to go to Brian Barry-Murphy, our players and everyone at Cardiff City.
Of course, despite the positivity around the club as we look forward to next season we still maintain reservations about the running of the club off the pitch and the need for the club to satisfy supporters groups that the mistakes of the past have been learned from and processes are in place to build on where we are at the moment.
Before the Northampton Town game, Trust Board Members Keith Morgan, Jon Hicks and Mike Spear (also a member of the travel group), along with representatives from Cardiff City Supporters Club, the Disabled Supporters' Association and other travel group members met club executives including Managing Director Mehmet Dalman (MD), Chief Executive Ken Choo (KC) and Finance Director Philip Jenkins (PJ).
The meeting opened with MD stating he wanted to talk only about positive things, though being aware of a few negative issues that some of those present might want to raise. He hoped such discussions could wait for another day. But MD did add, that if we felt strongly, they should be put on the table and himself, PJ and KC would do their very best to answer them.
He thanked the fans for their support this season and said without the fans the club would not have got promotion, highlighting the support from those travelling away.
The Trust stated that it was important that the togetherness witnessed this season continued, as there has been a big disconnect between the fans and the board and owner in the past. MD replied with a 'yes and no.'
MD said there was a two-way street, pointing to negativity on message boards and continual criticism of the club. Those present suggested MD not read forums as they did not reflect the majority of the wider fan base.
It was stated that owner Vincent Tan had played a role in bringing manager Brian Barry-Murphy (BBM) to the club. It was also stated that KC had been instrumental in building a successful recruitment team. MD maintained the future was positive with the current crop of players.
The question of the possibility of selling players was raised with a question posed as to what would be, for example, the right price for players such as Dylan Lawlor. The MD stated there is zero intention of selling any player on. But if somebody came in and wanted to talk to us, the club would engage with them. He added the club operated on the basis of supporting the manager. If BBM wanted to sell a player, then we would sell him.
Museum
The progress of a proposed club museum was raised, and MD was in full support of this and all heritage issues. PJ added that a lot of work was going on behind the scenes and it was hoped to open the museum in time for the 3rd Round draw in January next year to coincide with the centenary of the FA Cup win.
Fan zones
Fan zones experienced by a number of those present at away games were raised and supporter representatives pushed for the club to introduce one at the Cardiff City Stadium. Head Of Fan Engagement Amy James spoke about this in depth, and pledged that the club would be revisiting the issue which was being progressed pre-Covid 19. She stated that it was a question of finance and would involve discussions with Compass, the catering company.
Training Ground
New financing for the new training ground was also raised and KC said we would know more about this in a few months. MD stated intentions were clear and it was a matter of timing.
Finances
MD stated the club did not spend money on players during this season, not because it was told not to by the owner but the manager generally did not feel the need to.
The topic of financing throughout the leagues was discussed. PJ and KC briefed everyone on an upcoming vote of League 1 and League 2 clubs and whether they would be adopting a new system that will limit spending.
At the same time a vote will be taking place in The Championship to either stay with the Profitability and Sustainability system or the alternative Salary Cost Control. So, to that end, those club executives present did not know what money the club would be able to spend next season until it was decided what model they had to work to. The club has currently no input into these discussions as it currently sits outside The Championship.
The Independent Football Regulator implementation was discussed, including the reasons for the role and the pros and cons. The Regulator assigned to our club has been decided. It was thought many clubs would be unhappy with the new system.
Sala case
The question of whether this case will now be put to bed with no appeal being made was raised. MD stated it is most likely it will be appealed. If the club does appeal, those present were briefed on some of the dynamics. It will be before a new judge and jury in a new location, and all the evidence gathered for the previous case will be discounted and the process starting over. The club has three months to make the decision on whether to appeal or not.
Trust Board
