Malky Mackay Towing The ‘Red’ Party Line

After several days silence from the club to follow last weeks controversial bombshell, Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has released a statement urging supporters to back the changes and trust the Malaysian backers.

It is evident that the club opted to push ahead with the proposals following positive feedback from fans, those content to accept the changes given the longstanding financial uncertainties and the various commercial and financial opportunities the ‘re-brand` would offer. It is also clear that Vincent Tan and TG would have been under no illusions that there would again be vociferous opposition so it was no surprise that they have remained silent thus far with Chief Executive Alan Whitely responsible for the few comments issued by CCFC.

Now, with most opinions having been shared by fans in the media, online and around South Wales, Malky Mackay has lent his public support to the plans and will be looking to add his weight and significant support within City`s followers to maintain the fanbase and focus attention back onto building for the future.

Mackay stated:

“I would just ask them [the supporters] to keep supporting us. Support the team and your club. Right now you have people within the club who care deeply about it. The staff I mingle with every day, the chief executive, the board and the office staff, all support and care deeply about the club.”

“The Malaysian backers have shown evidence they support this club and not just for the short term. They are putting long term plans in place and that is not the case at every football club. You don`t always get people who have the best interests of the club at heart.”

“It`s understandable how some people feel, but please back your team on the pitch and back me as a manager. I need your support. We are trying to do our best I promise that.”

There was always going to be an initial outcry. There are those who have pledged to cut all ties with the club, until our previous identity is restored, or a least a more palatable compromise could be found. Whilst that is a shame, the thinking will surely be that for every fan lost – more will be gained through the awareness and success the club are hoping to achieve both in the short and long terms. It is, though, incredibly sad that long-term and devoted supporters feel so alienated from their club. I`m sure the club would say that those supporters will always be welcomed back however. In reality, it`s not those fans that Malky`s comments are direct towards. In fact, it`s those unsure over their position but likely to return – those fans are asked to ‘keep the faith` (as we seem to be every few months!!!) and support the club, the team and the manager while the behind-the-scenes figures work their magic and hopefully present a much more stable and powerful Cardiff City Football Club.

While Malky`s comments are welcome, understandable and likely to help convince some of the un-decided – it`s the new signings we desperately needed over the course of the last year that will provided the morale boot, expectation and renewed hope I suspect the club are looking for.