Club respond to open letter

With Saturday’s fixture against Watford having been postponed due to Storm Darragh, Cardiff City Football Club wishes to take a moment ahead of the weekend to address an open letter circulated earlier in the week attributable to supporters representing Cardiff City Supporters’ Club; Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust; Cardiff City DSA and the Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

Frustrations with early-season performances and our League position at this stage of the season are acknowledged and empathised with; however, the Club is disappointed that the referenced letter was made public suddenly by the FAB on Sunday evening, without due dialogue and communication processes being assumed in line with the FAB’s terms of reference.

Prior to this letter’s publication, no discussion from supporter-elected members of the FAB was had with the Nominated Board Level Representative (NBLR) and Co. Chair, Steve Borley. For optimal function of the FAB as it was agreed and intended, it is essential that this formalised dialogue consistently, and without exception, takes place in future.

Cardiff City’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) is an independent body for in-depth discussion with the Club’s hierarchy including Executive Club Staff and the Club’s Board of Directors. In February 2024, five directly elected fans were elected to the FAB. Five statutory supporter representatives sit on the FAB, including two members of Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust (CCST); two members of Cardiff City Supporters’ Club (CCSC); and one member of Cardiff City Disabled Supporters’ Association (CCDSA).

Meetings are co-chaired by Club Director Steve Borley, Cardiff City’s NBLR, and Michael Weedon, the elected supporter representative.

Scheduled meetings happened in February, May and August this year, with the fourth and final meeting of 2024 scheduled for next Monday. Cardiff City FC’s Supporters Liaison Officer (SLO) serves as Secretary of the FAB with meetings published via the Club website and available to refer to, here.

In addition, a fan parliament, attended by Mehmet Dalman, Ken Choo, Steve Borley and Omer Riza and ten Heads of Departments took place on November 1st.

Ahead of several other clubs and without current obligation, Cardiff City Football Club took the decision to form its own independent fan advisory board earlier this year to give supporters a stronger voice that was heard mandatorily. It is therefore concerning that an incendiary open letter was published, contrary to the procedures and process that the FAB agreed upon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Michael Morris

With Saturday’s fixture against Watford having been postponed due to Storm Darragh, Cardiff City Football Club wishes to take a moment ahead of the weekend to address an open letter circulated earlier in the week attributable to supporters representing Cardiff City Supporters’ Club; Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust; Cardiff City DSA and the Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

Frustrations with early-season performances and our League position at this stage of the season are acknowledged and empathised with; however, the Club is disappointed that the referenced letter was made public suddenly by the FAB on Sunday evening, without due dialogue and communication processes being assumed in line with the FAB’s terms of reference.

Prior to this letter’s publication, no discussion from supporter-elected members of the FAB was had with the Nominated Board Level Representative (NBLR) and Co. Chair, Steve Borley. For optimal function of the FAB as it was agreed and intended, it is essential that this formalised dialogue consistently, and without exception, takes place in future.

Cardiff City’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) is an independent body for in-depth discussion with the Club’s hierarchy including Executive Club Staff and the Club’s Board of Directors. In February 2024, five directly elected fans were elected to the FAB. Five statutory supporter representatives sit on the FAB, including two members of Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust (CCST); two members of Cardiff City Supporters’ Club (CCSC); and one member of Cardiff City Disabled Supporters’ Association (CCDSA).

Meetings are co-chaired by Club Director Steve Borley, Cardiff City’s NBLR, and Michael Weedon, the elected supporter representative.

Scheduled meetings happened in February, May and August this year, with the fourth and final meeting of 2024 scheduled for next Monday. Cardiff City FC’s Supporters Liaison Officer (SLO) serves as Secretary of the FAB with meetings published via the Club website and available to refer to, here.

In addition, a fan parliament, attended by Mehmet Dalman, Ken Choo, Steve Borley and Omer Riza and ten Heads of Departments took place on November 1st.

Ahead of several other clubs and without current obligation, Cardiff City Football Club took the decision to form its own independent fan advisory board earlier this year to give supporters a stronger voice that was heard mandatorily. It is therefore concerning that an incendiary open letter was published, contrary to the procedures and process that the FAB agreed upon.

---

Who does their PR I wonder?!

They are an expert into how to make your own already really annoyed fans even more annoyed that's for sure!

This is a parody isn't it?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Father Dougal

Who does their PR I wonder?!

They are an expert into how to make your own already really annoyed fans even more annoyed that's for sure!

This is a parody isn't it?

---

That is a meaningless attempt to seem as though they understand something.

It's pathetic.

And how could that message be summed up? What does it mean?

Apart from "Shut Up!"

:xmasayatollah:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rich munn

That is a meaningless attempt to seem as though they understand something.

It's pathetic.

And how could that message be summed up? What does it mean?

Apart from "Shut Up!"

:xmasayatollah:

---

Indeed. Not really sure what the point of the FAB is then?

Basically can't speak until spoken to? What an attitude from the club.

When will the club be asking us to buy season tickets again? :hehe:

They've failed to address anything raised in the letter. All they've done is have a pop at the supporters' groups
about their communication and dialogue. Tossers.

Bit shocked by this tbh, including the use of 'incendiary'.
Tan must have sanctioned it, but certainly didn't write it.
Not sure the club can do any worse to upset the fanvase.

That's a disgrace to be fair, further exemplifies how out of touch they are.

"I won't say I've done a shit job, but how you called me out is so unfair".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Former Labour leader

Bit shocked by this tbh, including the use of 'incendiary'.
Tan must have sanctioned it, but certainly didn't write it.
Not sure the club can do any worse to upset the fanvase.

---

I agree.

I didn't think they would pay any attention I just thought they'd call a fans meeting and talk about the academy and they are trying hard etc.....

I didn't really expect them to completely dismiss the basis and even legitimacy or right of the fans to dare to write such a letter.

Disgrace.

They're insulting our intelligence.

Ì wonder if they would have published this tonight if the game was on tomorrow?

Those fan groups are as useful as a chocolate teapot.
If I was part of 1 I'd just resign waste of time and people's energy dealing with the 3 stooges.

Absolute car crash of a football club.

I wonder how they would have addressed the points raised in the letter if the fans groups didn't exist?

The club’s response probably sums up why the FAB and the various supporters organisations took the action they did - they wouldn’t have got anywhere without it being publicised in advance. Let’s not forget that when the Trust dared to question the club eighteen months ago, their response was to put the boot in and start throwing mud.

The most depressing thing about the reply is that it doesn’t come as a surprise - in fact, the use of words like “incendiary” was to be expected.

Some people took exception to the letter mentioning that they knew the three of them were working hard. I make no comment on that, except to say that the three of them no doubt believe they are working hard for the club, and maybe they are, but they should think on. If they hadn’t been so bad at their designated tasks over a considerable period of time, maybe their jobs wouldn’t seem so hard and unforgiving and they’d have the supporters on their side a bit more.

The three of them are successful and intelligent in their specialised fields and I can’t believe that they don’t look at the other clubs we play every week and wonder why they appear to be so much better run than we are? The answer should be obvious to them, it is to most of the fans they prefer to ignore.

It just highlights how precious the club - especially VT - are to any sort of criticism. He can’t handle it and this is why live protests in big games covered by Sky should happen. It would get under his skin and force his hand slightly

How dare we criticise the management of the club . They have every right to ignore the concerns and comments of their customer base

The arrogance of that reply is quite astounding - and they always bring up the name of Steve Borley in these replies as they think it will appease the fans somewhat as we have more time for him than the other members of the board

Does it ever cross your minds that most people don't share your outrage?

If there is a procedure why would you not follow it?

That response has Dalman written all over it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy the Jock

Does it ever cross your minds that most people don't share your outrage?

---

You are, of course, correct. Most people couldn’t give a shit about CCFC. And of those who do, many simply stop going to games when they get disillusioned or pissed off. Recent attendances are proof of that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman

You are, of course, correct. Most people couldn’t give a shit about CCFC. And of those who do, many simply stop going to games when they get disillusioned or pissed off. Recent attendances are proof of that.

---

Recent games have been far more enjoyable . A stern letter is a Brucie bonus.

Borley defending the club statement on twitter. All quite hard to follow to be honest.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy the Jock

Recent games have been far more enjoyable . A stern letter is a Brucie bonus.

---

Yes indeed, the last two home games were a hoot. You could sense within the stadium how much the fans were enjoying them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman

Yes indeed, the last two home games were a hoot. You could sense within the stadium how much the fans were enjoying them.

---

Yes did think had he forgotten the performances in the last two home games

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman

Yes indeed, the last two home games were a hoot. You could sense within the stadium how much the fans were enjoying them.

---

The previous two were enjoyable.

It's almost like Tan doesn't give a shit what the fans think? If only we had more evidence of this?!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy the Jock

Does it ever cross your minds that most people don't share your outrage?

If there is a procedure why would you not follow it?

---

Even if the Board genuinely think the joint letter ignored an agreed procedure for raising issues with the club, their response was pathetic - arrogant and dismissive. A stupid own goal!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman

You are, of course, correct. Most people couldn’t give a shit about CCFC. And of those who do, many simply stop going to games when they get disillusioned or pissed off. Recent attendances are proof of that.

---

Like leaves falling from a tree. It’s going to be tough to get the younger generations to turn up with their elders so disillusioned.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pedro de la Rosa

It's almost like Tan doesn't give a shit what the fans think? If only we had more evidence of this?!

---

Tan thinks he's the Trump of footie. Do not have a go at the club.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don Corleone

Yes did think had he forgotten the performances in the last two home games

---

Coventry was a delight.

You cant deny the football has been better than its been for many years.

Even Man City dont win every game.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy the Jock

Coventry was a delight.

You cant deny the football has been better than its been for many years.

Even Man City dont win every game.

---

I agree the football has been better under Riza, but I give Tan and co no credit for that - their response to the open letter says it’s business as usual as far as they’re concerned. Let’s not forget that it was Dalman who inflicted Bulutball on us and, looking back at some of the stuff he said at the time of Bulut’s appointment, he had an idea what was coming.

We should do a Netflix documentary like Wrexham but going the other way.

Showing shit running of a football club and us heading in the other direction

Tan Choo and Dalman making all the calls to get us to the National League.

If you filmed these clowns you'd think it was a spoof documentary. They are feckin clueless in how to run a football club.

I like a bet. I'm devastated I didn't bet big on Riza being appointed.

Clowns.🤡🤡🤡

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy the Jock

You cant deny the football has been better than it’s been for many years.

---

I can. I reckon the quality of some of the performances under Riza has been greatly exaggerated in some quarters.

But what has any of that got to do with the fans’ letter and the club’s response?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman

I can. I reckon the quality of some of the performances under Riza has been greatly exaggerated in some quarters.

But what has any of that got to do with the fans’ letter and the club’s response?

---

Whilst the clubs response is not the best , why did the supporters representatives make the letter public when as Steve Borley has pointed out wasn’t the correct process?

The letter was badly timed , as it was absolutely obvious that the manger appointment was going to be Riza , the press officer just hadn’t officially confirmed it.

Usual suspects overacting as usual and not reflective on the wider fan base. :xmashehe:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TWGL1

Whilst the clubs response is not the best , why did the supporters representatives make the letter public when as Steve Borley has pointed out wasn’t the correct process?

The letter was badly timed , as it was absolutely obvious that the manger appointment was going to be Riza , the press officer just hadn’t officially confirmed it.

Usual suspects overacting as usual and not reflective on the wider fan base. :xmashehe:

---

True. The wider fan base just accept Morison , Hudson now Riza.

No wonder they've responded like this.

They know they can do whatever they want.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TWGL1

Whilst the clubs response is not the best , why did the supporters representatives make the letter public when as Steve Borley has pointed out wasn’t the correct process?

The letter was badly timed , as it was absolutely obvious that the manger appointment was going to be Riza , the press officer just hadn’t officially confirmed it.

Usual suspects overacting as usual and not reflective on the wider fan base. :xmashehe:

---

The open letter was made public on Sunday and the club gave Riza a contract until the end of the season on Thursday after Paul Abbandonato had tweeted that this would happen on the Wednesday evening. Therefore, it was hardly obvious six days ago what was going to happen and the feeling at the time was not akin to the mere rubber stamping exercise that you try to make it out to be.

You just keep tugging that forelock.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

The open letter was made public on Sunday and the club gave Riza a contract until the end of the season on Thursday after Paul Abbandonato had tweeted that this would happen on the Wednesday evening. Therefore, it was hardly obvious six days ago what was going to happen and the feeling at the time was not akin to the mere rubber stamping exercise that you try to make it out to be.

You just keep tugging that forelock.

---

You’re not thinking clearly. Most people knew he was getting the job as soon as he came back from Malaysia, ,otherwise why would there be a need to go in the first place.

The press conference when he returned and the various articles and press releases prior to the official announcement made the appointment a formality.

Are you you saying you’re surprised that he got the job :xmashehe:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hilts

We should do a Netflix documentary like Wrexham but going the other way.

Showing shit running of a football club and us heading in the other direction

Tan Choo and Dalman making all the calls to get us to the National League.

If you filmed these clowns you'd think it was a spoof documentary. They are feckin clueless in how to run a football club.

I like a bet. I'm devastated I didn't bet big on Riza being appointed.

Clowns.������

---

We missed our chance over the years.

I always think it would have made a good real life version of the office.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TWGL1

You’re not thinking clearly. Most people knew he was getting the job as soon as he came back from Malaysia, ,otherwise why would there be a need to go in the first place.

The press conference when he returned and the various articles and press releases prior to the official announcement made the appointment a formality.

Are you you saying you’re surprised that he got the job :xmashehe:

---

My posts the day bulut was sacked prove I only ever thought it would be riza and haven't entertained any other names at all.

However the letter was well timed as had it been released just after his confirmation it would have looked like it was a knee jerk response to an unpopular appointment. However the frustration is more about the lack of direction, any meaningful communication and the general continued negligence by those in charge. Riza appointment is part of that but it's only a small part so was better to release it before he was confirmed. Most city fans even those who would have rather we appointed someone else would say riza has done some good things and the state of the club is definitely not at his door. Most generally seem to like him or at least not dislike him anyway. It's really not about him.

He'll likely just be a footnote in our history as he's also sacked in a couple of weeks.

More annoying for the club to release it when they did yes as shines a brighter light on wider issues of their failures and not just riza but the timing was correct.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Father Dougal

My posts the day bulut was sacked prove I only ever thought it would be riza and haven't entertained any other names at all.

However the letter was well timed as had it been released just after his confirmation it would have looked like it was a knee jerk response to an unpopular appointment. However the frustration is more about the lack of direction, any meaningful communication and the general continued negligence by those in charge. Riza appointment is part of that but it's only a small part so was better to release it before he was confirmed. Most city fans even those who would have rather we appointed someone else would say riza has done some good things and the state of the club is definitely not at his door. Most generally seem to like him or at least not dislike him anyway. It's really not about him.

He'll likely just be a footnote in our history as he's also sacked in a couple of weeks.

More annoying for the club to release it when they did yes as shines a brighter light on wider issues of their failures and not just riza but the timing was correct.

---

He hasn't had a game as permanent manager yet but he's not a bad bet to be next manager sacked in the Championship such is the circus of ccfc.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TWGL1

You’re not thinking clearly. Most people knew he was getting the job as soon as he came back from Malaysia, ,otherwise why would there be a need to go in the first place.

The press conference when he returned and the various articles and press releases prior to the official announcement made the appointment a formality.

Are you you saying you’re surprised that he got the job :xmashehe:

---

If it was so obvious Riza was going to get the job, why did they take over ten weeks to confirm it? Why was the job not given to Riza when we won four and drew two in an unbeaten run? Why wasn’t the appointment confirmed when Riza was in Malaysia or just after he returned?

Also, I’m surprised at you being taken in hook, line and sinker by the Three Amigos’ gaslighting for beginners approach in their reply to the open letter.