Trust Board members Tim Hartley and Mike Roderick met with the club’s Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins and Finance Director Doug Lee this afternoon following the media speculation about the future of the club.
We sought clarity on the debt owed to Langston and were told that the agreement to repay £10 million in instalments is still in place. This agreement requires Cardiff City Football Club to make monthly payments to Langston. We were assured that every such payment has been made and that those payments will continue to be made until any new arrangement for the repayment of the debt is agreed. Talks are envisaged with Langston and other creditors as the club deals with its outstanding debts. All players and staff at the club have been paid this month. There was a slight delay in this month’s payroll as certain international transactions can be problematic. The club will try to ensure that there are no such delays in the future.

Former Chairman Peter Ridsdale has a short term consultancy agreement and is available to the club as and when required. The transfer of Michael Chopra was always subject to a series of staged payments and the club are looking at options to finalise payments with Sunderland.

The club apologises for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of the pre-season tour to Malaysia. This was done due to problems with the logistics and the timings and was in no way a reflection of the facilities on offer in Malaysia. Two supporters who had already booked flights to Malaysia have contacted the club and have been invited to meet with the club. Other supporters who are in a similar position are welcome to contact the club but they say they are not in a position to offer any financial assistance.

The tone of the meeting was open and friendly and I would like to think that the Trust now has a genuine dialogue with the club’s officials. TG’s open letter to us helped clear the air. It is important now that we are not distracted and ensure stability and support for the club as we head towards another exciting season.

Tim Hartley
Chairman

Dear Supporters Trust, Supporters Club and all Cardiff City supporters,

As you will be aware there has been much conjecture in recent days over various issues surrounding the Club.

I wanted to write this short note to reaffirm our commitment and support to the Club and take the opportunity to thank you for your continuing support.

I reiterate the point made in the press statement yesterday, namely, the Club re-affirms its primary aim is to get the organisation back on a sensible and balanced business footing and to work through the challenges of the various debts, cash flow issues and other basic business functions in order to get the Football Club competing at the highest levels both on and off the pitch.

I am sure you will agree this is a sensible and vital first aim.

With regards to the media speculation regarding Sam Hammam, again as stated yesterday the only contact we have had is through the Clubs solicitors and is in regards to addressing the Langston agreement. I would stress that the comments are unhelpful, misfounded, inaccurate and self serving.

As of yet no meeting has been set up and I have had no direct dialogue with Mr Hammam. If there is to be a meeting, I will be accompanied by the Club’s solicitor and it will be to discuss a final settlement and timing of the whole Langston issue.

As for the postponement of the Malaysia trip, the timings and logistics didn’t make it viable for the season and we look to reorganise for next year when dates etc can be confirmed well in advance. I stress the postponement was done with our full agreement.

As stated we remain committed to Cardiff City and hope that our actions over the coming months will prove this.

Thanks for your continued support.

Regards

Tg