Supporters’ Direct have issued a Press release following the publication of the Money Report by accountancy practice, Deloitte’s.
Click the link for more info https://www.supporters-direct.coop/?news-article=supporters-direct-statement-deloitte-money-league
The Trust has welcomed a partial lifting on restrictions on Bluebirds fans going to next month’s Leeds United game.
Board member Keith Morgan contacted our counterparts at Leeds United to seek their help in lobbying for changes to be made to the early kick-off originally proposed and the voucher system.
In an email, Keith Morgan wrote: “I am a member of the Cardiff City Supporters Trust board and am writing concerning the arrangements and restrictions being forced upon our fans for our forthcoming visit to the game.
“ As you are probably aware, restrictions for your fans this season at the Cardiff City Stadium were greatly relaxed from those in previous seasons on the agreement with Leeds that the same would apply for the return fixture. However, Leeds now have reneged on that agreement, now insisting on both an early kick-off time and a ticket voucher exchange system at a remote location before they will issue any tickets to visiting fans.
“Are you aware of the issue and as a fellow Trust organisation is there any pressure you can bring to bear on your own club to change their stance?”
Yours in hope
Keith Morgan
In the last of a series of e-mails to the Trust, Paul Keat of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust, said: “I hope by now you have heard about the change in KO time for the fixture on February 2nd to accommodate extra travel time for away fans?
“We are unsure whether this would have been done anyway but think you should view it as a small victory to both Trusts to force the compromise. Unfortunately, the voucher system still stands, but this has long been the situation for a number of other clubs for several years.
It is, however, encouraging that a link stated: “This change of kick-off time has been made possible due to the reduction in the potential of disorder as a result of the improved behaviour of the minority of fans who have previously acted in an inappropriate manner from both sides. We would appeal for this improvement in overall behaviour to continue for the benefit of the majority of fans.”
Keith Morgan said: “The Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust are pleased that there has been a partial lifting of the restrictions on supporters wishing to travel to next month`s game at Leeds United. Although we feel that the remaining restriction of a voucher exchange is still unnecessary bearing in mind the recent record of excellent behaviour by our fans, it is a step in the right direction.
“The change has been brought about by a combination of great work and pressure by CCFC and stadium manager Wayne Nash, the Supporters’ Club , the FSF and the Trust’s links with the Leeds United Trust who have been pressurising their own club and West Yorkshire Police on our behalf.”
Chris Coleman with Trust members
The home dressing room at the Cardiff City Stadium was the scene for a question and answer session with Wales manager Chris Coleman, which had been arranged by the Trust.
Trust members quizzed the Wales manager and FAW Public Affairs head Ian Gwyn Hughes in the latest of a series of roadshows and events across Wales as the football association builds better grassroots links with fans.
Coleman was happy to answer questions on any subject and spoke about the impact of Gary Speed’s death on him and the Wales team, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and the difficulty of being an international manager in terms of getting players released by clubs while trying to avoid upsetting clubmanagers.
Questions were also raised about Wales players being made available to meet supporters – particularly younger fans – the use of a rugby stadium, the Parc y Scarlet,s for Wales games and the lack of matches in North Wales, which it seems is due to the fact that Wrexham’s ground is not up to standard for international matches.
Chris Coleman chats with Trust chair Tim Hartley
After the session, Coleman posed for photos and signed autographs.
AN ALL-PARTY motion about Safe Standing at football grounds has been drafted by members of the Welsh Assembly. Here are the details:
Notice of Motion submitted by Andrew RT Davies (Con, South Wales Central), Bethan Jenkins (Plaid, South Wales West), Ann Jones (Labour, Vale of Clwyd) and Peter Black (Liberal Democrat, South Wales West).
The Notice of Motion reads: “The National Assembly for Wales: · Notes the appetite which exists amongst football supporters in Wales and beyond for the introduction of safe standing areas in the Premier League and Football League Championship.
· Recognises the key role which Assembly Members and Welsh football clubs competing in the English pyramid can play in lobbying the UK Government and football authorities to accept the case for introducing safe standing areas on a limited, trial basis.
· Notes the positive role which standing areas at football matches could play in significantly reducing ticket prices, improving access to high-level football for people from deprived communities, improving atmosphere and providing spectators with greater choice.
· Recognises that safe standing is operational, popular and well-established at top-level football in Germany; as well as at rugby union, rugby league and other sporting and public events across the UK.
Tickets for the celebration on Wednesday, February 13, can be picked up and purchased at the Trust office, near Gate 5 at the stadium, from 6.30pm before the Leicester City game (February 12). Members can also order them through members@ccfctrust.org
Non-members can also send payment of £5 to CCST, PO Box 4254, Cardiff, CF14 8FD. They should do so as soon as possible to ensure delivery well in time for the event or they can collect them from the Trust office. Fans can also pick up tickets at the event – provided they have pre-ordered.
Tickets are free for Trust members and just £5 for non-members. If you join the Trust on the night the £5 will be offset against the normal £12 annual membership cost.
The event at the Cardiff City Stadium starts at 7 30pm.
Rob Phillips of BBC Wales will be compering the evening and the legends attending are Dave Bennett , Gary Bennett, Phil Dwyer ,Roger Gibbins, Paul Giles, Jeff Hemmerman Linden Jones and John Lewis.
There will be a short quiz at the start of the evening, followed by Rob Phillips interviewing the players and plenty of time for fans` questions and photo opportunities.
It should be a great night , as those who went to the Real Madrid and Leeds nights will testify. So book now to guarantee a place.