Red rage! Cardiff ditch traditional blue kit in move that angers fans
Posted in Cardiff City
Cardiff have sensationally changed the colour of their kit to red in a move that will anger their loyal fans.
The switch - which also includes a new club crest and takes effect immediately - comes after the club's hierarchy approved the decision at a board meeting.
The club have unveiled three new strips - a red home shirt, a blue away strip, and a third kit, which is mainly black.
All
new kits bear a redesigned badge, incorporating a main image of a
dragon, with a small bluebird inserted underneath, and carrying the
slogan 'Fire and Passion'.
In addition to the new kit, the club have announced plans to build a brand-new training ground, pay off the historical Langston debt, provide manager Malky Mackay with a substantial transfer kitty, and explore the possibility of expanding the Cardiff City Stadium.
Despite a backlash from fans over the swap from their traditional blue which they have worn for over 100 years, the club's Malaysian owners have gone ahead with their controversial plan.
The move has been done with the Asian market in mind, where the colour has strong spiritual significance. They are also hoping that Welsh fans will welcome red given it's link with the country's heritage.
Just last month when the idea was first suggested it was met with a negative reaction from fans and the club put out a statement saying they would not go ahead with plans to change the kit from red to blue.
In a statement on May 10, the club said: 'In the light of the vociferous opposition by a number of the fans to the proposals being considered as expressed directly to our local management and through various media and other outlets, we will not proceed with the proposed change of colour and logo and the team will continue to play in blue at home for the next season with the current badge.'
But less than a month later they have decided to press ahead with the move to launch a new red home kit and new predominately red badge, with the traditional blue kit being used as a change kit.
One outraged fan said on Twitter: 'I
will never step foot inside Cardiff City Stadium while the club plays at
home in red. Gutted and betrayed. Liars'
And Wales rugby star Jamie Roberts commented on the new kit on his Twitter account, he said: 'Cardiff City =Bluebirds, played in blue for yonks, synonymous with capital city club side..Red + dragon = synonymous with Wales as a country.
'Makes no sense whatsoever.....throwing away decades of hard work growing a fan base in Cardiff who eat sleep and eat BLUE!...'
A club statement read: 'Our investors have been impressed with the passion and commitment from Cardiff City supporters for their team and want to harness these strengths to create an affinity between the club and the cultures of Wales and Asia.
'With that in mind and as a part of the significant investment made to give the club the best chance of succeeding in this area, they believe very strongly that there is a need to make some radical, but important changes to our brand.
'Key to the strategy is to ensure
that the club representing as it does the capital city of Wales projects
a national identity which will resonate with potential audiences
abroad.
'The colour red is widely recognised as being synonymous with Welsh culture and heritage, with Cardiff the proud capital of the country.
'The colour also holds strong spiritual significance in Asia, where it is seen as a symbol of prosperity, power and good fortune.
'It is believed that this fusion of identities and values will reinforce our strength as a visual brand across both cultures. As outlined in the club statement, Cardiff City, through our investors strong connections will be exploring ways in which to maximise brand awareness of the club across Asia, thereby delivering local success.'
Cardiff chief executive Alan Whiteley said: 'This is a major and significant financial commitment and we are grateful to our investors for their continued confidence in this football club.
'Concerning the commitment to developing the crest and to switch our primary colour to red, as directors - and as fans in our own right - we recognise that there is a history and commitment that goes with supporting Cardiff City and we are conscious and proud of the loyalty, bond and passion so many share for this club.
'At the same time, we also have to be
prepared to be realistic and progressive. Sometimes in difficult
economic times and challenging market conditions, in order to attract
investment to survive and progress, brave, bold and compelling decisions
and sacrifices need to be taken and made. By securing this investment
we can safeguard the immediate and long-term future of this club.
'The changes to the home kit and badge introduced as a consequence of the investment package are designed to help the club to develop its brand and to allow it to expand its appeal to as wide an audience as possible, with a view to delivering local success via an international and diverse market.
'As a board, we believe these changes, in the light of the benefits that will be demonstrably delivered, have been or will be accepted by the vast majority of supporters as judged in the light of the numerous emails and letters of support, backed by recent poll results from the Supporters Club and Media Wales.
'We are only too aware that the
change of colour is a radical and some would say revolutionary move
which will be met with unease and apprehension by a number of
supporters, along with being seen as controversial by many. To those I
would like to say that this was not a decision that has been taken
lightly or without a great deal of thought and debate.
'There is no getting away from the fact that history and traditions are the lifeblood of any club and as such should be jealously guarded and preserved. Both the board and our investors fully understand and respect this and will do their utmost to uphold, protect and promote the values and virtues which the club stands for.
'However, the changes are believed to be vital to enable the club to progress to the next stage in its development and very much in the club's best long term interests.
'Judged in the context of the overall
commitment and financial support, we believe it is the right decision
for this club and where it currently stands.
'We hope that all supporters will appreciate these sentiments and will embrace the changes in that spirit and continue to support the club in the same loyal and passionate manner as before but hopefully with some greater feeling of security.'
Cardiff chairman Dato' Chan Tien Ghee added: 'I know and understand that there have been reservations in certain quarters over the changes accompanying the investment, but sincerely hope that all of our loyal fans will come to accept the changes in the spirit in which they are made and continue with their passionate and fantastic support.
'This club will always be Cardiff City Football Club and its name and heart will never change nor are any of the changes meant to destroy any part of its history or culture.
'The adoption of the new badge incorporating the proud symbol of the Welsh dragon, which was the symbol on the club's badge on the only occasion the FA cup left England with the iconic bluebird and the new red home strip very proudly places Cardiff as the capital city of Wales, whilst also recognising its history and creates a symbolic fusion with Asia which will allow us to fly the Welsh flag on behalf of Cardiff wherever we go."
Bluebirds boss Mackay welcomed the news, saying: 'It's great news. The investment will allow us to take forward the exciting plans for the future of this football club which we have all been working towards.
'Since coming to Cardiff, I have been hugely impressed with the commitment and passion of the fans here.
'The securing of this package of investment and the breadth of vision which it encompasses should enable us to build on the progress already made in my first year and puts us in a position to take Cardiff City forward in the way which the fans deserve."
The switch - which also includes a new club crest and takes effect immediately - comes after the club's hierarchy approved the decision at a board meeting.
The club have unveiled three new strips - a red home shirt, a blue away strip, and a third kit, which is mainly black.
Switching it around: Cardiff will play in a red home kit and blue away
In addition to the new kit, the club have announced plans to build a brand-new training ground, pay off the historical Langston debt, provide manager Malky Mackay with a substantial transfer kitty, and explore the possibility of expanding the Cardiff City Stadium.
Despite a backlash from fans over the swap from their traditional blue which they have worn for over 100 years, the club's Malaysian owners have gone ahead with their controversial plan.
The move has been done with the Asian market in mind, where the colour has strong spiritual significance. They are also hoping that Welsh fans will welcome red given it's link with the country's heritage.
Just last month when the idea was first suggested it was met with a negative reaction from fans and the club put out a statement saying they would not go ahead with plans to change the kit from red to blue.
In a statement on May 10, the club said: 'In the light of the vociferous opposition by a number of the fans to the proposals being considered as expressed directly to our local management and through various media and other outlets, we will not proceed with the proposed change of colour and logo and the team will continue to play in blue at home for the next season with the current badge.'
But less than a month later they have decided to press ahead with the move to launch a new red home kit and new predominately red badge, with the traditional blue kit being used as a change kit.
Old and new: Cardiff have also shown off their new red badge which replaces the blue one
And Wales rugby star Jamie Roberts commented on the new kit on his Twitter account, he said: 'Cardiff City =Bluebirds, played in blue for yonks, synonymous with capital city club side..Red + dragon = synonymous with Wales as a country.
'Makes no sense whatsoever.....throwing away decades of hard work growing a fan base in Cardiff who eat sleep and eat BLUE!...'
A club statement read: 'Our investors have been impressed with the passion and commitment from Cardiff City supporters for their team and want to harness these strengths to create an affinity between the club and the cultures of Wales and Asia.
'With that in mind and as a part of the significant investment made to give the club the best chance of succeeding in this area, they believe very strongly that there is a need to make some radical, but important changes to our brand.
Traditional blue: Cardiff wearing the blue kit last season
'The colour red is widely recognised as being synonymous with Welsh culture and heritage, with Cardiff the proud capital of the country.
'The colour also holds strong spiritual significance in Asia, where it is seen as a symbol of prosperity, power and good fortune.
'It is believed that this fusion of identities and values will reinforce our strength as a visual brand across both cultures. As outlined in the club statement, Cardiff City, through our investors strong connections will be exploring ways in which to maximise brand awareness of the club across Asia, thereby delivering local success.'
Cardiff chief executive Alan Whiteley said: 'This is a major and significant financial commitment and we are grateful to our investors for their continued confidence in this football club.
'Concerning the commitment to developing the crest and to switch our primary colour to red, as directors - and as fans in our own right - we recognise that there is a history and commitment that goes with supporting Cardiff City and we are conscious and proud of the loyalty, bond and passion so many share for this club.
New funds: Malky Mackay could see his transfer kitty boosted by this commercial move to change the kit from red to blue
'The changes to the home kit and badge introduced as a consequence of the investment package are designed to help the club to develop its brand and to allow it to expand its appeal to as wide an audience as possible, with a view to delivering local success via an international and diverse market.
'As a board, we believe these changes, in the light of the benefits that will be demonstrably delivered, have been or will be accepted by the vast majority of supporters as judged in the light of the numerous emails and letters of support, backed by recent poll results from the Supporters Club and Media Wales.
Red is the colour: Cardiff City have a new Red home kit
'There is no getting away from the fact that history and traditions are the lifeblood of any club and as such should be jealously guarded and preserved. Both the board and our investors fully understand and respect this and will do their utmost to uphold, protect and promote the values and virtues which the club stands for.
'However, the changes are believed to be vital to enable the club to progress to the next stage in its development and very much in the club's best long term interests.
Room to expand: The new investment could see The Cardiff City Stadium increased in capacity
'We hope that all supporters will appreciate these sentiments and will embrace the changes in that spirit and continue to support the club in the same loyal and passionate manner as before but hopefully with some greater feeling of security.'
Cardiff chairman Dato' Chan Tien Ghee added: 'I know and understand that there have been reservations in certain quarters over the changes accompanying the investment, but sincerely hope that all of our loyal fans will come to accept the changes in the spirit in which they are made and continue with their passionate and fantastic support.
'This club will always be Cardiff City Football Club and its name and heart will never change nor are any of the changes meant to destroy any part of its history or culture.
'The adoption of the new badge incorporating the proud symbol of the Welsh dragon, which was the symbol on the club's badge on the only occasion the FA cup left England with the iconic bluebird and the new red home strip very proudly places Cardiff as the capital city of Wales, whilst also recognising its history and creates a symbolic fusion with Asia which will allow us to fly the Welsh flag on behalf of Cardiff wherever we go."
Bluebirds boss Mackay welcomed the news, saying: 'It's great news. The investment will allow us to take forward the exciting plans for the future of this football club which we have all been working towards.
'Since coming to Cardiff, I have been hugely impressed with the commitment and passion of the fans here.
'The securing of this package of investment and the breadth of vision which it encompasses should enable us to build on the progress already made in my first year and puts us in a position to take Cardiff City forward in the way which the fans deserve."
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