Yes there is a petition

[Jonny L]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I remember my father being on the board and the club didn't have a pot to piss in, be careful what you wish for

Unfortunately you are absolutely correct. If anyone wants to sign the petition then by all means go ahead, but don't expect it to make any difference

I saw this in twitter the other day. seems like a non starter to me

It is a non starter if supporters are either apathetic or accepting of the current situation. A few clicks it takes and it doesn't even interrupt your day. What's the harm. Either do something or accept whare we are, who we ha e and live with the consistent failure.

[Coyote]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I signed, but I feel it is fair to represent the arguments for the people who don't want to sign, including my father, who I had a conversation with.

The club has a gross debt £137.7 million, of which 68 million is owed to Tan and 37 million owed to Dalman. You would need a buyer who can clear both the debt and would also purchase the squad, stadium and other assets, of which prices are debatable. Does such a buyer exist? Probably, but there's an air of uncertainty about it, and a lot of fans simply do not want to risk going the way of Bury and Macclesfield in order to find out. The longer Tan stays in power and the incompetence takes its toll, the more debt is accrued and the less attractive it comes to investors, this is why Birmingham were extremely fortunate to be purchased before being relegated to League One.

I think most everyone agrees that Tan is incompetent and is not fit to run the club, the issue is, a lot of people do not want to rip the plaster off and hope we can at least get back to Championship football before a sale can be agreed where finances are more steady and guaranteed. But I fear we won't under this club's culture, and we'll become a League One stalwart like Bolton. The competition will be fierce for the auto promotions next season between Reading's new ownership, Plymouth being a relatively stable operation, Luton's issues being more player attitudes that can lead to transfers out, solid teams like Stockport, Wycombe, Huddersfield, Bolton and whoever loses the playoff final today. I personally think now is the time to rip off the plaster and look for buyers, because I think they absolutely exist (maybe fans with experience in business pitches could reach out to potential investors, I'd be more than happy to help writing a good case on why Cardiff City FC is a good investment opportunity), but I understand the perspective of those who are trying to urge more caution and be careful what we wish for. I just think the disease is fatal without treatment, and we will slip deeper and deeper into despair to the point of falling below Newport if it gets bad enough.

[delmbox]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I don't think the people behind this petition understand what a fit and proper person is in terms of football club ownership, it doesn't mean someone the fans don't like or someone who got a team relegated.

Also using the fact that no pre season friendlies have been announced is bizarre, a 2 second google search will show that they didn't get announced until June 21st last year when we had a manager in place, The season only finished a couple of weeks ago, I don't think it's the end of the world that we don't know who we're playing in friendlies yet. I'm more annoyed by the fact that the retained list hasn't been announced to be honest, that is irritating because all the other Championship clubs have announced theirs.

And what exactly are "transparent transfer discussions?" No club in the world makes it public who they're planning on buying, it's a sure fire way to bump the price up. What are we expecting here? A transfer committee made up of 10000 season ticket holders? Jesus can you imagine

Tan is useless and I'd be very happy to have a better owner if there was a realistic one available but I'm sorry, a petition signed by 500 people asking the league to review his (undeniable) fit and proper status with reasons like that listed is going to do absolutely nothing

[Jonny L]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I remember my father being on the board and the club didn't have a pot to piss in, be careful what you wish for

Unfortunately you are absolutely correct. If anyone wants to sign the petition then by all means go ahead, but don't expect it to make any difference

I signed, but I feel it is fair to represent the arguments for the people who don't want to sign, including my father, who I had a conversation with.

The club has a gross debt £137.7 million, of which 68 million is owed to Tan and 37 million owed to Dalman. You would need a buyer who can clear both the debt and would also purchase the squad, stadium and other assets, of which prices are debatable. Does such a buyer exist? Probably, but there's an air of uncertainty about it, and a lot of fans simply do not want to risk going the way of Bury and Macclesfield in order to find out. The longer Tan stays in power and the incompetence takes its toll, the more debt is accrued and the less attractive it comes to investors, this is why Birmingham were extremely fortunate to be purchased before being relegated to League One.

I think most everyone agrees that Tan is incompetent and is not fit to run the club, the issue is, a lot of people do not want to rip the plaster off and hope we can at least get back to Championship football before a sale can be agreed where finances are more steady and guaranteed. But I fear we won't under this club's culture, and we'll become a League One stalwart like Bolton. The competition will be fierce for the auto promotions next season between Reading's new ownership, Plymouth being a relatively stable operation, Luton's issues being more player attitudes that can lead to transfers out, solid teams like Stockport, Wycombe, Huddersfield, Bolton and whoever loses the playoff final today. I personally think now is the time to rip off the plaster and look for buyers, because I think they absolutely exist (maybe fans with experience in business pitches could reach out to potential investors, I'd be more than happy to help writing a good case on why Cardiff City FC is a good investment opportunity), but I understand the perspective of those who are trying to urge more caution and be careful what we wish for. I just think the disease is fatal without treatment, and we will slip deeper and deeper into despair to the point of falling below Newport if it gets bad enough.

An honest response backed up by thought. You've signed. Thank you. It wasn't difficult, may not make a difference admittedly but it's not hurt you or anyone. You can say you've done something having given it thought.

[Jonny L]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I remember my father being on the board and the club didn't have a pot to piss in, be careful what you wish for

Unfortunately you are absolutely correct. If anyone wants to sign the petition then by all means go ahead, but don't expect it to make any difference

I don't think the people behind this petition understand what a fit and proper person is in terms of football club ownership, it doesn't mean someone the fans don't like or someone who got a team relegated.

Also using the fact that no pre season friendlies have been announced is bizarre, a 2 second google search will show that they didn't get announced until June 21st last year when we had a manager in place, The season only finished a couple of weeks ago, I don't think it's the end of the world that we don't know who we're playing in friendlies yet. I'm more annoyed by the fact that the retained list hasn't been announced to be honest, that is irritating because all the other Championship clubs have announced theirs.

And what exactly are "transparent transfer discussions?" No club in the world makes it public who they're planning on buying, it's a sure fire way to bump the price up. What are we expecting here? A transfer committee made up of 10000 season ticket holders? Jesus can you imagine

Tan is useless and I'd be very happy to have a better owner if there was a realistic one available but I'm sorry, a petition signed by 500 people asking the league to review his (undeniable) fit and proper status with reasons like that listed is going to do absolutely nothing

Strange and disappointing response. Poking fun and having a laugh does nothing to bring supporters together. I'll put you under the apathy and the accepting groups.

I promise not to tell Vincent if you sign.

[jon1959]

Re: Yes there is a petition

'FAB or Trust don’t show it, and are lapdogs.'

'The Trust and the FAB are under total.control of Tan.'


If you choose to believe that, fair enough.

But making that part of your argument for signing a petition (that is already confused and badly thought out) is not going to maximise the number of signatures.

I agree with your description of the state of the club and that fans should make their feelings of anger and frustration known in large numbers, but it isn't always the case that 'something' is better than 'nothing'. Sometimes that something makes the situation worse.

I would sign a petition I agreed with.

I stopped buying a season ticket years ago. I have stopped spending anything in the club shop. I am a member of the Trust. The last one is - in my opinion - the most important in getting a collective fans voice heard by the club.

[2b2bdoo]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I don’t see the point, I’m sure he would pass the fit and proper test every time with flying colours.

We may not like the way he runs the club and disagree with his management appointments but nothing to suggest it’s not fit and proper in terms of ownership. He backs the club financially.

Also if he did fail the test what happens to us financially? Administration while we find a new owner?

[NYCBlue]

Re: Yes there is a petition

Like a petition would make the slightest difference

Like signing a petition would make the slightest difference to your day.

[Ninian1962]

Re: Yes there is a petition

The Trust and the FAB are under total.control of Tan. You've suggested alternatives rather than criticise, however Tan has totally divided the support against each other......

Neither the Trust nor the FAB are under any kind of control of Vincent Tan. Both organisations (plus the Disabled Supporter Association) are comprised of long standing fans who were elected by the fans themselves and remain totally independent of the club and its owner and directors.

The current FAB comprises two members elected by the Supporters Club committee (who are themselves elected by its members) , two members elected by the Trust board (who are again elected by its members) and one elected by the DSA (once again elected by its members).
The other five FAB members were elected in an open ballot of the club`s season ticket holders. Any fan could have put himself/herself forward as a candidate for these roles ahead of the voting.

The club had no say in who could be elected to the roles, and has no say in or control over the FAB, the Trust or DSA says or does.

[Father Dougal]

Re: Yes there is a petition

Neither the Trust nor the FAB are under any kind of control of Vincent Tan. Both organisations (plus the Disabled Supporter Association) are comprised of long standing fans who were elected by the fans themselves and remain totally independent of the club and its owner and directors.

The current FAB comprises two members elected by the Supporters Club committee (who are themselves elected by its members) , two members elected by the Trust board (who are again elected by its members) and one elected by the DSA (once again elected by its members).
The other five FAB members were elected in an open ballot of the club`s season ticket holders. Any fan could have put himself/herself forward as a candidate for these roles ahead of the voting.

The club had no say in who could be elected to the roles, and has no say in or control over the FAB, the Trust or DSA says or does.

I'm not disagreeing with what you say. However the argument always used in contrast to that is a jibe about free electricity at the stadium and stuff like that- and that being at risk if speaking out.

Fair enough if you don't want to get drawn into that level of debate but that's the most common thing I've heard to justify the claim in Tans pocket etc....

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: Yes there is a petition

….be careful what you wish for

Are you Steve Borley in disguise?

[Rjk]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I'm not disagreeing with what you say. However the argument always used in contrast to that is a jibe about free electricity at the stadium and stuff like that- and that being at risk if speaking out.

Fair enough if you don't want to get drawn into that level of debate but that's the most common thing I've heard to justify the claim in Tans pocket etc....

free electricity bar the stadium? ffs

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Re: Yes there is a petition

I applaud anyone who makes an effort to improve what happens at our club, whether that's starting a petition or being a Trust or FAB representative.

It is a low bar to clear to be deemed fit and proper to own a football club though.

[fugsyphil]

Re: Yes there is a petition

Are you Steve Borley in disguise?

My dad was part of the Bob Grogan board

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: Yes there is a petition

My dad was part of the Bob Grogan board

Borley has used the phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’ on more than one occasion. I wonder how many City fans wished for the return of League One football?

As for not having a pot to piss in, the club definitely has a pot these days. The problem is it keeps getting filled with piss that gets poured down the drain.