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Home , Alan Curtis (footballer), Craig Bellamy, Eddie May, Frank Burrows, Fred Keenor, Graham Kavanagh

City Supporters’ Trust Magazine January 2012 moving to a different beat

Whitts exclusive City’s talisman on Malky, DJ, Bluebirds life and his own career aspirations

‘Psycho’ doesn’t hold back in Jason Perry assessing City’s recent fortunes Contents

elcome to the New Year reporter Terry edition of Moving To A Phillips gives us his highs and lows of A Word from the Chair WDifferent Beat. covering the Bluebirds over the years 4 There’s a lot to cover since our last while Richard Shepherd shows off what online magazine was released back could possibly be the world’s greatest in August. I don’t think anybody was collection of CCFC memorabilia. Keep your Whitts expecting to see ’s new I hope you enjoy reading and 6 about you City team challenging at the top end of as ever, if you want to get the table but at the time of writing, we involved, please get in Generous fans step are sitting comfortably in the play-off touch at: up their support for positions and still in with a shout of 11 another Wembley Cup Final! Keenor Appeal [email protected] Central to the team’s success has been or star performer and Meet the Trust Board he’s very kindly taken time out to reveal CCST 12 why he loves playing for Cardiff City PO Box 4254 so much, how Malky Mackay is getting CARDIFF the best out of him, and which former Down to earth with CF14 8FD Bluebird’s diving exploits he’s indebted Psycho to. 14 We’ve also had a sit-down with City Matt Aplin 14 legend Jason Perry who tells us why he Vice Chair Update once snubbed playing for Man City and Editor where he thinks it all went wrong last 19 season. Interviews Sitting on a City 20 treasure trove Editorial Team 23 Trust member Q&A Editor Design Matt Aplin Lyndon Rhodes Football reform requires tough love Editorial Team Contributions 24 Phil Nifield Tim Hartley Nigel Turner Dave Towler Tracey Marsh Jon Candy 6 Terry Phillips: Lyndon Rhodes Terry Phillips Karen Wolfendale On the road with the Paul Evans 27 Bluebirds 2 3 Contents Below: Tim with Stabua Yusuf from Anyany Sisters Football team, Nairobi A Word from the Chair

here’s never a dull moment with the City – and thank goodness for that. What a fantas- Above: Tim (centre) with Matt Bloxham from Cardiff Ttic achievement it has been for the boys to City Football in the Community (far right), in Nairobi reach the semi final of the League Cup. City who is ramping up his campaign We had some really hard fought bat- to allow clubs to have the choice of tles along the way against Hudders- bringing back terracing. It was good to field and Leicester and then we went see local Assembly members and the on to beat a Premiership team. Cardiff West MP there to see the kind of seats we could install and thanks to Well done to Malky and all the team Gareth Morgan of the pub not just on reaching the semis but on for hosting us. our fantastic league position too. If you have not been down there I have just returned from Kenya where City’s off field team has changed with yet then please do pop into our new I was working for the British Council on Alan Whiteley coming in as our new office. It is near Gate 5 (Canton and a ‘Football for All’ project. Chief Executive in place of Gethin Ninian Stands) and is manned by Trust Board member Brian Mertens for It all started in 2009 when a group of Tim (centre) with Daniel Onyncha, Jenkins. The Trust always got Caroline Chumo and Stabua Yusuf. on well with Gethin and we most home games. young Kenyans came to Cardiff to see wish him all the best for the You can buy T-shirts, minia- how we involve the local community future. Our initial meetings ture statues and pin badges through football. They liked what they with Alan have been very in aid of the Fred Keenor saw at Cardiff, the club’s Football in the friendly. Statue Appeal, renew your Community team as well as the Trust’s work, and asked us to go over to talk to We have a good relation- membership or sign up them about it. ship with the club and must friends as new members. thank them for their support for If you have any issue you want us They are now starting up young men the superb Frank Hennessy curry as a Trust to take up then please call and women’s teams across the country night in aid of the Fred Keenor Statue in to the office or just come along for bringing different communities to- Appeal. a chat before the game. gether through football. We are pressing ahead with plans for The ‘Safe Standing Roadshow’ Special thanks to Matt Bloxham from a Memorial Garden at the ground and literally offered us a hands-on the club who ran hands-on training are also very grateful to Wayne Nash experience of how fold away courses for the Kenyan Bluebirds. and his team for getting a permanent seats can allow us to stand home for the Trust at the Stadium. again at football grounds. Well done to Jon Darch from Bristol Jon Darch (back) with Tim and Kevin Brennan, MP for Tim Hartley Cardiff West (front right), at the Safe Standing roadshow Chairman 4 5 Contents keep your whitts about you

his January marks Peter Whittingham’s fifth anniversary with Cardiff City. Since his £350k move from Aston Villa in 2007, ‘Whitts’ has witnessed major changes at the football club, with Tthe team relocating to a new state-of-the-art stadium whilst transforming themselves into perennial promotion challengers.

In an exclusive interview with Moving to a Different Beat, the midfield magician speaks with David Towler about his career and his time with the Bluebirds. by david towler

MTDB - You’ve been with the club for goal to be honest. It may not look like many years now Peter, what’s the biggest it when I actually score, but when I’m difference since you arrived? involved in goals, whether it’s through an PW – Probably the squad as a whole. assist or whatever, I’m happy – and that’s When I first came everything was at more the way I want it to continue. of a development stage. It wasn’t a big MTDB - Despite the disappointment of squad, we only had 13-14 players and that leaving the Sky Blues, you soon landed was it. Now, if you look at the bench and a trial with Aston Villa – that must have the people missing out of the first-team, been exciting? the standard has massively improved - I 7 think that shows in our results. PW – It was nerve-racking. Obviously I’m happy my confidence had been hit after being “ MTDB - You started your career on school released from Coventry and you don’t boy terms with Coventry City, was it know what’s going to happen to you. I here and difficult leaving the club you supported went to Villa, played in a couple of trial happy as a boy? matches and managed to score a few PW – It wasn’t that difficult because I goals. They said they wanted to give me got told to leave. I got told I wasn’t good a contract which, at a club like Aston Villa, playing enough to make the grade aged 16. Aston was absolutely frightening. football Villa rang me up a few days later and asked MTDB – You made your Villa debut me whether I wanted to go on trial. I against Newcastle United in April 2003 here. went for the trials and managed to get a and the following season made 32 first contract. team appearances, you must have been MTDB – You’ve now got a great record encouraged by that progress, any idea of scoring against Coventry, scoring four why it tailed off? goals in five games, including the 50th of PW – With a massive club like Villa it was ” your Cardiff career earlier in the season. always going to be difficult when they’re Were you aware of that milestone and do bringing people in. There’s quite a lot of you enjoy scoring against them? money to spend so they can attract some PW – Yeah, its weird - I always seem to big players, so it’s always going to be hard score against them. I’m not sure if it’s for me. I don’t regret my time at Villa at the ground or what happened to me or all, I played about 60 odd games and I had anything like that, but it’s nice to have. a great time there. It was a good learning I think people do have their favourite curve for me, obviously you’re starting grounds but I’m just happy to score any to understand the game and you’re in 6 7 Photograph courtesy of Pete Thomas, Cardiff City Contents Malky’s a lot more hands on, telling us what he wants. “ Whereas Dave was a lot more laid back, he would say: ‘It’s up to you - do what you feel is best.’

and around such good players – I wouldn’t have couldn’t even train because it was that muddy, it’s changed it for the world. a massive difference. I think” that’s what everyone at the club was striving for and I think that’s what MTDB - With players like , Jay MTDB – And you gained more experience going they have achieved. Bothroyd and did you find it out on loan to Derby and Burnley? was difficult to express yourself last season? PW- It didn’t really work out for me in all honesty. MTDB – After your first few seasons you started to establish yourself in the side and in 2009-10 PW – Maybe a little bit. I think there was a lot I didn’t know too much about the two clubs at of onus on Bellars to get us up. It was hard for the time. I went to Derby and Phil Brown was you played an integral role in getting us to the play-offs, scoring 25 goals in league and cup, a him and it’s tough to have something like that manager, he told me he was going to play me in on your shoulders. It was more a case of, try to midfield and he played me at left back. I think we phenomenal amount for a midfield player. Can you put your finger on how you managed it? get the ball to Bellars and see what he can do. all know about my defending, so I think that was Maybe my range of passing wasn’t happening. one of the worst decisions he could have made PW – I’m not sure, the first couple of seasons were I was playing the 10-15 yard passes to Bellars and things didn’t work out there. At Burnley, hard for me. Making the transition from Villa to and trying to get Jay and Chops in to the game. again, it was hard for me. I was still a young lad here - getting used to the league, obviously not Obviously I had moved to a central position and and to go to a team like that was difficult. It’s all a being the most physical of players - it was always it was a whole new dimension for me. Having learning curve; you go from a place like Villa to the going to be hard for me. I was happy with how played out wide the seasons before, it was new Championship it’s always going to be tough, but that season went (2009-10); it was a good season to me. It was another transitional stage, going I think to get first team experience in a different for me. Being in and around such good players, into central midfield was a learning curve but league stood me in good stead for when I came you’re bound to get chances and, luckily for me, it has definitely put me in good stead for this here. they were going in. I also managed to get quite a season. I’m now sitting in front of the back four Photograph courtesy of Pete Thomas, Cardiff City few penalties from Jay’s diving and stuff like that, MTDB – Villa’s loss was our gain though - can you and I’m really enjoying it. The gaffer talks to me so it was good for me and I managed to get quite a a lot, he wants me on the ball and that’s great remember how your move to Cardiff was brought Whereas Dave was a lot more laid back, he would few goals, yeah. to hear from someone like him. about? I doubt very much it was the ‘dog-muck- say: ‘It’s up to you, you’re the players - do what park’ training ground that tempted you to South MTDB – I’ll try and change the bit about Jay MTDB – You seem to be doing a lot more you feel is best.’ It’s whatever works best for each Wales. Bothroyd diving when I come to write this. manager and the both of them7 are completely tackling since the arrival of Malky Mackay. Is PW – My agent gave me a ring and said: ‘Look, PW – Don’t bother - it’s true. that something Malky has imposed on you and different to be honest. Cardiff are interested in taking you, do you want do you think it has made you a better player? MTDB - You’re renowned for your shooting and to go down and have a look?’ At the time I wasn’t MTDB – OK then. You’ve scored some of the best PW – Probably. Obviously during my first free-kicks, is that something which you always playing at Villa and I wasn’t really on the bench goals I’ve seen while watching football, especially couple of seasons I didn’t really get involved had in the locker from a young age or is coming or anywhere around it, so I was looking to get for someone in a Cardiff shirt. Barnsley at home last season and Reading away this season, with anything like that - it was more about the out more now? out. So, I said: ‘Yeah, let’s go for it.’ I came down jockeying side of things, hoping the opponent instantly spring to mind – what’s the best goal PW – I could do better with my free-kicks, there’s and spoke to Peter Ridsdale, who was really good would pass the ball. I feel like I’m getting stuck you’ve ever scored? always room for improvement and I try to practice to me, and I spoke to Dave Jones as well. They in this season. I’ve got a few bookings under PW – Barnsley was a nice one for me. In a them as much as I can on the training ground. showed me their plans and what they wanted my belt, racking them up, so perhaps I should previous game against them I missed a penalty I’ve always been OK with it though - it’s obviously to do in the next few years. That was a massive go back to my other mentality of a couple of and Luke Steele, who was their goalie, I knew down to a lot of practice. I was obsessed with part of the reason I joined. I wanted to be part of seasons ago. Seriously though, I do get a little from England under 21s and we always used to football as a lad. It’s down to practice, so it’s something that was going to improve, something bit more stuck in this season and it’s a different have banter - so he was caning me after that. always nice when it pays off. that was going to get better, and be talked about. I side to my game, one which I definitely do need think that’s what has happened. So, to score that goal against him was nice - just to improve on, but I feel as though I can get MTDB – You seem a little reserved considering to see him dive for it when he’s not getting it. there. the egos that are associated with most MTDB – Since arriving at City things have changed Jay Emmanuel-Thomas set the ball to me and I professional footballers. Even when you score, dramatically, from the stadium to the training thought, ‘I’m hitting this as soon as I get it’ and it MTDB – How does Malky compare to Dave your goal celebrations are quite low-key - facilities. Does it feel like you’re still at the same was just nice seeing Steeley diving across and not Jones? have you always preferred to keep out on the football club? getting it. PW – Malky’s a lot more hands on, he likes to limelight? PW – Probably not. Compared to the Treforest I would say that was the best one, just from the be in and around it, telling us what he wants. days, where when it was hammering down you touch and the hit – that’s my best goal. PW – I’ve never really been one to get involved

8 9 Contents we’ve got a different contrast of players now to the ones Generous fans step up their “ that left last season... In a way, they’re better though, because on the pitch you know they’re there for you. support for Keenor Appeal

by phil nifield with stuff like that, paper talk and all the How do you feel about that, is there any ” rest of it. I’ve always preferred to be out added pressure? of it than in it. It’s nice when people talk PW – I don’t think it’s that much added undraising has continued apace since we last about you and praise you - I’m not going to pressure. It doesn’t really bother me. I’ve reported to Trust members in the August complain about that. But I’ve always been said it all along, I’m happy here and I’m magazine. At the time of writing we are very one of those people who doesn’t really get playing good football, which is what I want F close to reaching the initial £45,000 target which involved in any of that. I prefer to see other to do. I’m involved in something which I people doing that stuff. feel is going to be big. I think we can get to triggers a £15,000 donation from Cardiff council. MTDB - Given all the changes in the the Premiership with this squad and if the summer and the number of players that gaffer wants to go and spend some money That allows us to ask artist Roger Andrews of went out, did you expect Cardiff to be close on players in January then fair enough, but Llantwit Major to step up his preparation work on to top of the league? I feel as though we’re heading in the right the tribute to Fred Keenor and the rest of the 1927 direction. Photographer: Deryck Lewis PW – Definitely, we’re got a different FA Cup winning team. contrast of players now as opposed to the MTDB – You gained England under 21 caps Of course, when we reach £60,000 we’ll still need We also had T-shirts designed and they are on ones that left last season. With Jay and whilst at Villa. What with England having to raise another £25,000, so the fundraising will sale at the club store and in the Trust office at Chops, we’ve lost some big names there had a long established left sided problem continue unabated in 2012. the stadium. They join the miniature statues and and they have been in and around the and with Jay Bothroyd having managed it There have been some significant fundraising events badges we are still selling for the appeal and also old Championship for a while. You see this while playing for City, do you still harbour since August, perhaps most notable was the Frank programmes donated to the appeal by City fans. A season though, with boys that have come hopes of representing your country at Hennessy curry night at the . in, they’re probably not house-hold names. senior level? T-shirt, miniature and badge can be bought for the That was fantastically supported and £1,700 was They’re not people you’d automatically reduced price of £50. PW – It’s hard to get recognised playing for raised. Frank gave his services free while Dilwar Ali think, ‘Wow, they’ve signed this player or We hope of Wales will Cardiff. Jay managed to do it with a little served up fabulous curry. that player.’ bit of help and that was brilliant for him, follow their counterparts at the WRU who’ve Dilwar also created a special curry dish called FK In a way they’re better though, because on but at the minute I’m just concentrating on donated to the statue appeal in aid of Ken Jones, the pitch you know they’re there for you. playing for Cardiff and hopefully getting us Murghi ’27 for the evening. It is now on the menu the Welsh rugby star and Olympian. If you lose the ball or you make a mistake, to the Premiership. You’re always going to at the Nahin Spice Centre in Road and £1 The club and, in particular, stadium manager Wayne you know one of them will be there to cover have aspirations of playing for your country, will be donated to the appeal when one is bought. Nash have been very supportive and £1 from for you. It’s a lot different but in a way it’s there’s no greater honour. My under 21 We’ve had excellent support from Julie Morgan, the every adult ticket sold at the Parma pre- better. days were brilliant for me and it’s something Cardiff North AM, who has been a true champion season friendly has been given to the I’d never change, but I’m just thinking about of the appeal and also Mark Drakeford, the Cardiff MTDB - You’ve been to Wembley for an appeal. But we could not have Cardiff and getting us promoted. West AM. Both have pressed our case with Welsh FA Cup Final with City. How do you fancy achieved what we have without another major cup final at Wembley? MTDB – Finally, you started your career Sports Minister Huw Lewis. the fans. Times are very Julie and Mark attended the curry night along with tough economically but the PW – We’d like one definitely, but we’ve with one CCFC (Coventry City), can you see former First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan, got a hard game against Crystal Palace yourself finishing it with another? generosity and enthusiasm and the two legs are obviously going to PW – You’ve thought about that haven’t former Environment Minister Sue Essex and never fails to inspire what is make January a busy month for us. It’ll you?! I’m part of something here. I’m councillors from both Caerphilly and Cardiff. Thanks a small band of fundraisers, be a difficult game. It’s always been close happy here and I’m happy playing again to everyone who supported the event. who give up loads of spare against Palace, so it’s going to be hard for us football here. If it gets to the stage where Just a few days after the Hennessy evening, a great time to back the appeal. but it’s a game we’re really looking forward something happens where I’m not playing, fundraiser was held at the Golden Lion pub in The Keenor statue will rest on a to and it’s always nice to have that incentive then I’d have to have a look at it. At the Penarth. Gareth Jones, a Trust member organised plinth on a triangular piece of land of Wembley. moment I’m happy with the way things are the race night, while it was supported by the owner opposite the Gate 3 entrance into going. MTDB - There’s a lot of talk that Premier of the Golden Lion, Jon Bassett of JWBassett Pubs the stadium and because of its League clubs are keeping an eye on you. and Clubs Ltd, who continues to give great backing location will be seen from to the appeal. Leckwith Road.

10 11 Photograph courtesy of Jon Candy Contents meet the trust board tracey marsh (vice chair) Tracey, a finance director who lives in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, leads the Trust drive for more members. She began supporting City in 1995 and lists Kevin McNaughton as her favourite player. Her most memorable match was Middlesbrough v Cardiff in martin bale the FA Cup during the run to the final. Martin Bale, who lives in , has supported the Bluebirds for 36 years. His most memorable match was the Play-off Final 2003 against QPR. His favourite players include Phil Dwyer and Kevin McNaughton. brian mertens Brian lives in Cardiff and works as a civil servant. He has attended nearly 800 matches since moving to Cardiff in 1968. His favourite player is who, Brian, describes as a genuine man. david craig David, who lives in Penarth, worked as a schoolteacher and more recently as a local government officer before retiring. He is the project manager for the Fred Keenor Statue Appeal. He’s been a Bluebirds phillip nifield supporter since 1956. Phil is from Whitchurch, Cardiff. A former Political & Business Editor of the Echo, he now works in public relations. He is married with two grown-old sons and two twin grand-daughters. He is working hard to raise the funds needed for the Keenor tim hartley (chair) statue. Tim has been watching the City since the mid-seventies. The most vivid early memory he has is of the United game in 1974. In his street in Llandaff there are five Cardiff season ticket holders. He works in Llanishen in public affairs. keith morgan Keith is a chartered accountant who has been a City supporter since 1962 when he was just five. Married with three grown- up daughters and a grand-daughter , he currently lives in Rhiwbina , Cardiff. john isaacson (co-opted member) John is a retired IT manager, who has been supporting Cardiff City for 15 years, after moving to Cardiff for the second time. His other interests include hill walking, music, reading, photography and exploring new places. He currently lives in Adamsdown, Cardiff. what does the trust do? • Maintains a regular dialogue with the Club • Presents a positive image for Cardiff City, on behalf of supporters helping to overturn negative attitudes and prejudice towards the Club gareth jones • Encourages the Club to take account of its • Maintains a contingency fund for further supporters and the community it serves, in CCFC share purchases or to help the Club in Cardiff-based Gareth Jones is a long time City supporter – too long for Gareth its decision-making troubled times to recall! is his favourite player who, he says, is a gent off the off • Strengthens the bond between Cardiff City, • Uses members’ money to benefit members, the pitch while he gave 100 per cent while on the pitch. His favourite match is, its supporters and the local community the community and other appropriate good perhaps bizarrely, the FA Cup Final causes • Maintains a significant shareholding in • Ultimately, our aim is to achieve supporter Cardiff City on behalf of our members representation on the board of Cardiff City 12 13 Contents down to earth with... PSYCHO

ffectionately known as ‘Psycho’ to the fans, in his Aheyday Jason Perry would run through brick walls for the blue shirt.

“I loved a tackle. The crowd were very passionate - they made their by david towler voices known. As long as you run, sweat and draw blood. We all have “I stood on the Bob Bank many a says is the most embarrassing bad days but you’ve got to give the time, went down with my friends, moment of his life. After the game paying public at least effort. The got caught up in the trendies and , who’s a Man City legend, ‘Psycho’ thing stuck from then on the casuals, during that era - and of spoke to me, saying: ‘We would and, although it got me booked a course I was playing football myself.” really like you to come back and sign few times, it brought me closer to Perry’s determination and commit- a guaranteed apprenticeship’ and Winning the title was the best time for me ...But in many the fans. I’ve always had a great ment to Cardiff City was clear from talking about playing for the Man relationship with them.” an early age, demonstrated by the City youth team against the England ways that was the most frustrating time too because it Born in Caerphilly in 1970, Perry’s actions he took as a precocious international side. “ wasn’t taken on. lifelong ambition was to play for, youngster attempting to forge a “I was listening - and my dad’s as captain and manage the club he career in football. proud as punch. Then I come out supported growing up. By the age with: ‘In honesty, I’m fed up of you After we done our jobs for the day, like changing rooms, but the entire ground of 19 he had achieved two of those “I actually signed for Bristol Rovers lot taking us Welsh boys from over washing the boots, cleaning the ground, – that was Frank’s way of saying: ‘You targets and although his final goal the bridge, I’m going home to sign Perry” at 14, simply because Stan Mont- weeding the Bob Bank, all the things haven’t done anything yet’. I think the on... still evades him, he is delighted that, for Cardiff’ - my dad shrunk. He said gomery, who’s a Cardiff City legend, we had to do back then, I went out academy players of today would benefit Dave Jones under the tutelage of current man- was there, and it was the nearest the way I spoke to him was wrong, with the rest of the apprentices to play from doing some of the things we had Tactically, I thought he was naive, ager Malky Mackay, the club is being offer to my home,” explained Jason. but I was blinkered - I knew where I snooker and get a burger; we didn’t to do in those days.” many games you would see where run in a manner reminiscent of the wanted to play.” “But then Stan was recruited by know too much about eating the right Despite their turbulent relationship the opposition was on top and the way he conducted himself during his Cardiff City and so he phoned and The Bluebirds were managed by foods back then. Burrows made a lasting impression substitutions were much alike – own playing days. asked if I wanted to come across. I during his first of two “When we got back to the ground Frank on Perry and he could be the man which is different to Malky. But you “With the present team the close- asked Rovers and they weren’t too promotion winning reigns at the club chucked me a coin and said: ‘Ring your responsible for the centre-back’s psycho have to say, to a certain level he was very successful and he bought ness is there - the Cardiff City fans keen, but I was desperate, so it was and Perry’s indecision hadn’t gone dad, you’re playing.’ It was great be- reputation. a decent side, so I think should he will forgive you for the worst game a case of: ‘I won’t play - I want to go down well with the fearsome Scot, cause I didn’t have time to get nervous, “After I had got back into the first team, walk onto the pitch then Cardiff fans in the world, as long as you’ve put to Cardiff City!’” meaning he would have his work cut Frank was clever like that. I can remember I was last coming out of the effort in. I would have loved to out in order to break into the side. should give him a reception to thank Eventually Bristol Rovers granted “We drew 0-0 against Exeter, which is the changing room at half-time, running have played for the team that Malky him for what he’s done - but he’s not Perry his wish and he was able to “When I signed for Cardiff I had a what you want as a defender. I done along the tiles on the floor with my my cup of tea has assembled; I love everything return back across the Severn Bridge guaranteed apprenticeship because well, it wasn’t an outstanding game studs on and Frank suddenly shouted: that they stand for. I think I would Malky Mackay to his hometown club, however, of what Man City offered me,” said and it wasn’t an amazing crowd but I ‘Stop!’ It was like a cartoon,” said Jason. have been his kind of player, I would Jason. “I had to win Frank back over Yes, he kicks every ball, but he is at his father was concerned his son’s done OK, it was a step in the direction I “Sliding towards him I fell over, he a level where he is in control. He have been made captain too”, joked after that because he was a scary dogmatic approach meant that he wanted to go in. picked me up by my jersey and marched doesn’t get hysterical so he can’t see Jason. character, but performances were wasn’t fulfilling his best interests. “That was the only game I played in me into the mirror and said: ‘Look at the picture and he’s not down-beat “It was always an ambition of mine going well (in training) and I made Despite his father’s allegiances he that season. I came in the next day, yourself, I want that nose broken, that so he can’t get into his team. What (to play for Cardiff). Cardiff City my debut for Cardiff aged 16. persuaded the young Perry to go for everyone else had been given the day eyebrow cut and the other eyebrow he does extremely well is encourage and Manchester United were in my a trial with Manchester City. “I had “I can remember the build up and off, and Frank said to me: ‘Well done, cut - and then you can call yourself a his players to press and encourages house - my dad’s a big Man United played well, I was fairly confident in everything - I had no idea. It was you done ever so well, now, here’s a centre-half, now get out there and all them to do the things that they work supporter, so I was brought up on my playing ability,” said Jason. March, a few weeks before my 17th brush - go and clean all the toilets in the best!’ hard at on the training field. He sees both. He took me down to Cardiff in birthday and just a normal day. the stadium!’ He didn’t mean just the “Other clubs started showing an what’s happening in front my very early years. “My dad recalls the story that he 14 15 Contents Photograph courtesy of It’s about trusting your team mates when you walk down Perry on... that tunnel. It’s about getting changed next to people you’d fully he selected me for the game. ing season history would repeat its “ “The national anthem was fantas- self in more ways than one; with (Malky cont.) trust your life with. tic, I was standing there with the Perry returning the club he had of him, he sees the bigger picture and spots the weaknesses in the opposition greats, my family were watching left to join City more than 10 years earlier. and he knows where he need to make me and my performance was OK. changes in his side so he can take advan- interest in me so I signed profes- excellent,” reflected Jason. “At that red-hot European night; they were It wasn’t a debut - I “When I left Cardiff they stitched tage of that sional terms on my 17thbirthday. To time I thought we were going places. outstanding, from the first second didn’t unearth any trees but it was me up, which was upsetting, and I ” Middlesbrough last season keep my feet and the ground Frank Rick Wright had the place rocking, of the game up to an hour after the decent. went to Bristol Rovers who were a That made me angry, the reason why Car- wouldn’t let me train with the first there were 20,000 people packed end - nothing but non-stop barmy division higher. I loved it at Rovers “One of my proudest moments diff looked so bad that day is because they team but I wasn’t allowed to train out at Ninian Park, the atmosphere singing,” said Jason. and their fans are still great with is after the national anthem, weren’t organised. If you play for a team with the youth team either, so I was was superb and the ayatollah was Having grown up supporting the we turned to run out in front of me now. when you’re unorganised, Middlesbrough warming up the keeper for about a going strong. We were working to- Bluebirds, Perry relished the intense the Bob Bank and everyone is “We had an outstanding team done a job on them. You’ve got to be year, so we fell out eventually.” gether as fans and a team and that’s rivalry between Cardiff and singing: ‘There’s only one Jason but like my last season at Cardiff, prepared for the opposition, and if things Despite overseeing the club’s what you need to do to be a success on derby day. Perry!’ – There’s me standing where we got done by North- aren’t going well then you have to be able promotion from the old Fourth - that’s what Malky is doing with the ”Those are my favourite games – next to all these greats, , ampton in the play-offs, the to change it. I was upset then with the Division in 1987-88, Burrows’ side present side. That team would have playing against the Jacks. I loved and Dean Saunders season after at Rovers they done stories that came out afterwards - that’s struggled to maintain their progress gone through the next league but going to the Vetch, playing them on and they’re singing my name! I a number on us again – they unacceptable. If that is true then those and following a disagreement with we sold people like Nathan Blake their patch. It was a pity our fans got wouldn’t want it to be at the Arms basically beat us up. I was on the are the players that I do despise. the board he resigned in 1989. and without replacing banned,” said Jason, referring to the Park or anywhere else, Ninian Park bench for that game because I had Rugby Following Burrows’ penultimate them. FAW’s decision to exclude away fans is special for me.” a disagreement with ‘Olly’ (Ian I actually liked rugby when I was in junior reign, took over the hot “But that was the best time for from the fixture following what was While gaining recognition for his Holloway Bristol Rovers manager school, I loved it. I played outside half and seat for his second spell at the club. me - Man City (1-0 FA Cup 3rd dubbed ‘the Battle of Ninian Park’ in performances at Cardiff, dem- at the time). enjoyed everything about it, but it came Perry was one of the few positives to Round), winning the , December 1993. “I can remember onstrated by his Wales call-up, “Then I went to Lincoln, which to a time when I needed to make a deci- emerge during that period and, fol- filling three quarters of the ground beating them at their place and as I Perry’s commitment to the Blue- is a smaller club and I didn’t re- sion. The school wanted me to go to the final trials for Welsh rugby but my football lowing in the footsteps of other City away to Scunthorpe to win the title was walking off, I noticed about 10 birds meant he would turn down ally have a connection with their team BTM United were playing Treharris legends like Don Murray, was made – the police had to do it otherwise people scattered about the crowd, offers from other clubs showing an fans - they just watched. Hull City and we needed to win that game to pip a teenage captain of the Bluebirds. Scunthorpe town centre would have doing the ayatollah – City fans interest, even if it meant jeopard- really took to me though, they Georgetown, from Merthyr, to the league “Whereas with Frank I found it been flooded with Welshman. But in undercover. ising his international career. are great fans, we had massive many ways that was the most frus- title, so from that moment it was always difficult at times, Len understood “The home games too were sensa- “I was aware of offers, but you crowds there, but at that time my football. But I stand by what it says on my trating time too because it wasn’t me slightly better - he put his arm tional. As soon as you’ve finished find out about a lot of offers when ankles were starting to hurt and profile on the Real Radio website, ‘if I had taken on. around me,” said Jason. “Although the last game the week before, the you finish,” said Jason. “I even had games were getting less and less. I played rugby then Neil Jenkins wouldn’t he had some stick he was ahead “Man City was a big game, Shrews- build up would be massive. I loved Swansea phone me twice - but the was made captain and I rolled my have won a cap!’ of his time. I signed a three year bury was a big game to win promo- the changing room before the game, conversation ended there. This ankles again which was really frus- Frank Burrows contract in the space of months. I tion and then Scunthorpe was a big I loved going in the tunnel, the blue isn’t worth taking about is it! trating. I wish I could have played He had one eye bigger than the other became established under Len and game to win the league, playing for shirts up against the white shirts, the “I never talk about what could more games for them.” and all that - I mean a proper hard man. had a good run of games. Wales was a big game, but every 90 minutes was special and I used to have been - I think it’s disrespect- Nowadays you can find Perry He used to play with his boots two sizes “I was made captain aged 19, just game was important to me, because love celebrating in the showers after ful to the decisions you made. I lecturing in Bridgend College dur- too big because his feet were so swollen. the once against Gillingham away. you’ve got your own standards.” the game, the celebrations used to wouldn’t have changed a thing ing the week, while you can hear We used to have an open dressing room Then I got into it a bit more and Although he admits he may go on for about 48 hours – the mis- about my career. I was lucky to him commentating on Cardiff City back in those days where the players had a spell of being captain under have “headed too many balls” to sus wouldn’t talk to me after.” have my family stand by the deci- matches on BBC Radio Wales and would all have their say. Now, I was a mouthy kid and the senior pros couldn’t Len, continuing the captaincy under remember all the finer details, the Perry’s proudest moment came sions that I made.” sharing his expert opinion on the Eddie (May).” atmosphere generated by the fans is when he gained his first and only Real Radio Sports Phone-In Show, believe I would chip in. Frank was having Perry’s faithfulness to his home- a go at (goalkeeper) George Wood, and Perry enjoyed his most successful something Perry vividly recalls with Wales cap in a friendly match against where he holds no punches in town club, however, was not going around pointing at different people period as skipper of the Bluebirds fondness, in particular the European Norway, in what was ’s expressing his views on all things reciprocated and following over a saying, ‘You need to start talking and you Cup Winners Cup tie away to Belgian Cardiff City. under , leading the team infamous one-match first term as decade of service he departed on need to start opening your mouth, and side Standard Liege, where Tony Bird to memorable European nights, FA national team manager - a game a sour note. With the Bluebirds “I think we should all thank Dave you, and you’, then I piped up: ‘Gaffer, scored both goals in the Bluebirds’ Cup giant killings, Welsh Cup tri- fittingly played at Ninian Park. suffering heartache at the hands Jones for what he’s given us,” said but gaffer...’ he said pointing at me: ‘And umphs and perhaps most significant- 5-2 defeat. ”John Toshack called me up and I of Northampton Town in the Jason, on the former Bluebirds that’s the problem with you - you’ve got ly, the 1992-93 Third Division title. “The atmosphere was amazing; all enjoyed the training, I was playing 1996/97 Third Division Play-off manager. “We had some great too much to say for yourself!’ I couldn’t “I think the title was the best mo- I can remember is going over to the alongside the greats: Ian Rush, Mark semi-finals, the club failed to times. But he was always going win but I learnt quickly. ment of my career - that team was fans and clapping them. It was a Hughes, Dean Saunders and thank- renew Perry’s contract. The follow- to fall at the final hurdle, because 16 17 Contents Perry on... £12 The best player he played join the trust with is the best player I’ve ever played with. That would sur- Those are my favourite prise a lot of people, but when he “games – playing against Vice Chair update hit the top of his career playing in a blue shirt, having struggled in that the Jacks. white shirt, we used to have jokes me and Curt’, but when he played I loved going to the s I said in the last edition there are lots of excellent reasons to join the Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, for the capital he was simply out- Vetch, playing them on standing. If that goal at the Vetch Ajust go to our website (www.ccfctrust.org) and against in the Welsh Cup their patch... have a look at the various activities we get up to. had been scored by a Brazilian, people would still be talking about It was a pity our fans Since last speaking to you, joining could not be easier as we now have our very own office which is it now. located on the outside of the stadium just to the right of Gate 5. Membership is only £12 a year for got banned. adults and free for children under 16. Joining by standing order is the most effective method as it is Bellamy easier to administrate but we will gladly accept cheques and cash. I would love to have played with There is a membership group that meets regularly to him. He’s a winner - he trains as review what members “get” for being part of the Trust. though it’s a game. When he pulled If you have any ideas or suggestions we would love to that blue shirt off it must have been hear from you so please come along to one of these ringing with sweat. He’s loyal to his ” meetings or get in touch via the e-mail below. country, a proper Welshman, turns We are holding a special evening at the stadium on up to every game and it means eve- Tuesday, February 21, to mark the 10th anniversary rything to him. So far he’s refused of that famous FA Cup win over Leeds United. Former to retire even though he’s got the once you get to that position, you’re in has believed in the same method – Bluebirds skipper Graham Kavanagh, who scored the biggest excuse as anybody, given his going to be up against people who are there’s continuity there. I’m not sure equaliser, has agreed to travel down from Carlisle, injury record. I know there’s things where he is assistant manager, for the celebration. tactically astute – and for me Dave we had that identity under Dave, but off the field but when you’re talking Scott Young, who scored the winner against the wasn’t. Malky has brought these players in who about someone being a profes- Premiership front-runners, Andy Legg and Robert sional he is one. “I felt he made enemies when he didn’t know how he wants to play and what is Earnshaw have also accepted invitations to attend. need to. I think he felt he and the 11 needed to play – unless you have those The evening will be compered by BBC Wales football City Players on the field were the most important attributes, you don’t play. correspondent Rob Phillips, a great supporter of the Whitts is another; when I played for people and as long as they were happy, “The relationship with the fans is not Trust. We were originally aiming to hold it in January Cardiff it was so much easier when but that needed to be changed following our Carling they would win things – but it’s bigger there because he has to, it’s because he you have players like Peter Whit- Cup success. Numbers for the event will be limited with tingham, because you can just give than that. The club is bigger than the wants to. It’s all about the ‘we’ rather priority given to Trust members. players and the manager. You need to than the ‘I’. He’s grateful of the support them the ball even when he’s got If you have changed any of your details recently e.g. three or four people on him. He’s give appreciation to the fans that pay he’s given. address, e-mail address, then please let us know via outstanding; Kevin McNaughton their money. A clap would have been Although Jason’s playing days are over, one of the address below. with his commitment; Graham enough just to say thanks for your another Perry could yet follow in the Finally, just a reminder that the Trust elections will be approaching soon and I would like to Kavanagh – there’s loads of great support. I think that’s important – it family tradition of preventing goals take this opportunity to encourage anyone who is interested in standing to do so. You are more players that have played for City doesn’t matter who you are, manners going in the Cardiff net - in the shape of than welcome to come along to a board meeting, just write to the e-mail below and this can be but it’s about the team – which is should always be there. his son, Merthyr Town goalkeeper Joe. arranged. That way you can see what being a board member involves and make a decision about what you’ve got at the moment. Although Perry didn’t take to Jones, he “He’s a chip off the old block; he’s got a whether it’s for you. Anyway take care and I look forward to meeting some of you at the next event or at the Trust office. Steve McPhail is underrated and is has nothing but praise for the new man superb work ethic. I’m proud of him, as another one who is always looking at the helm. I am my daughter too, but football has and showing for the ball. He’s one “I think Malky is a top manager, to do more downs than ups and that’s how Tracey Marsh of the bravest players to have ever what he’s doing takes extreme skill,” you find out about someone. pulled on the blue shirt, because Vice Chair and Membership even if things aren’t going well, he’s said Jason. “I think it’s worked in his “He’s got to make a living, but if he Contact: [email protected] or [email protected] always looking to take responsibil- favour that all these players left – it’s al- goes to the Jacks, he’s got to have his ity of the football. Off the field he’s lowed him to bring in the type of player bag under his arm and kiss me goodbye obviously brave too with all the that suits this style of play. Dare I say - I’d be like: ‘it’s nice knowing you, son!’ troubles he’s had. it Swansea have had an identity for a long time, each manager that has come 18 19 Photograph courtesy of Media Wales Contents Silver inscribed cigarette case presented to Jimmy Gill. A total of 12 were given to the players appearing in Sitting on a City treasure trove the FA Cup Final of 1925 plus the travelling reserve by the then South Wales Evening Express

hen it comes to facts and figures about Richard with the board WCardiff City, no one knows more than minutes from the 1940s Richard Shepherd. As the City’s historian Richard has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Cardiff City and a wealth of tor/reporter with BBC Wales for many years, and he information to back it up. says that his favourite City player is the late Brian Clark A bound volume of the programmes from Richard, who is a member of the club’s media staff, (1968-72, 1975/76). the 1920-21 season – City’s first season in boasts a remarkable archive listing every result, team “I’m no hero worshipper but Brian Clark was my line-up, scorers, attendances in the Bluebirds’ history favourite Bluebirds player. He was a model professional the Football League and a collection of programmes and memorabilia that who gave 100 per cent. He was a gent off the field and would be an envy of many a fan. that’s why he was loved. I knew him for many years and While the minutes of Cardiff City’s board meetings collaborated with him in 2006 on his autobiography • FA Cup Final programmes from 1925 and 1927. • Copies of every edition of the Football Echo from stretching from 1915 to 1972 might seem more than “Real Robins and Bluebirds” which has recently been Two tickets from the 1927 game along with a Daily 1948 to 1955 a trifle dry they provide a fascinating insight into the re-published by Vertical Editions as an e-book.” Express song-sheet for the community-singing before • Correspondence relating to the world title fight at running of the club. He first got to know Clarkie while a broadcaster with the game, two of the five 75rpm records issued by Ninian Park between and Vincent They detail the salaries paid to Cardiff City players. The BBC Wales during Brian’s second spell at Cardiff. Columbia Records of the pre-match singing, and Saldivar in 1967 minutes for May 1966 reveal what players would be Richard writes articles for the match-day programme, in- so-called “funeral cards” sold as souvenirs to fans of • The original articles of association when Cardiff City paid next season for their new contracts: Don Murray cluding the information on the opposition, and provides both sides after the game. turned professional in 1910 and a souvenir pro- and Gareth Williams are listed as being offered basic pay match-commentary on the club’s internet site. He uses • A file on and his transfer to Cardiff City, gramme from the first game against Aston Villa of £25 a week, along with goalkeeper Bob Wilson. Greg the records, photos and books that he has as material including the consultant’s report on the Gentle Gi- Farrell and Peter King were offered £23 while George for his programme notes. ant’s medical condition. Johnson and Dilwyn John were being paid £20 a week. “Someone has to keep the records and I’m interested There was an £18 a week offer to Graham Coldrick, £17 in social history and not just football, and Cardiff City to David Houston and £14 to Richie Morgan, a far cry are part of the Welsh capital’s social history,” explained from today’s multi-millions paid to top players. Bonuses Richard. “I maintain the archive for the benefit of the were paid on top. club”. The board’s minutes, which Richard was given to look af- Some of Richard’s gems from the past: A Tribute To Clive Prigg ter by late City legend and left winger George Edwards, • Bound copies of the programmes from the first who went on to become a director of the club. five seasons Cardiff City played as a League club One of the Trust’s recently co-opted board members, Clive Prigg, Of course, while the pay of those 1960s footballers and bound copies from many other seasons of passed away suddenly in his sleep last month. He was just 65 might seem far from a fortune it compared favourably the Club’s existence. years old. to the £8 a week maximum paid to players between • The largest-existing collection of photographs Clive, who lived in the Cowbridge area, was a hugely enthusiastic and 1919 and 1939. That £8 a week was reduced to £6 in the from the FA Cup Final of 1927 when City beat popular member of the Trust, always willing to help out and he regularly close season. It’s the money that greats like Fred Keenor Arsenal. staffed the Trust’s new office at the stadium. earned. • Several thousand photographs covering all Clive also recently joined the Fred Keenor Statue Appeal committee to help Richard also boasts a fascinating file on John Charles’ aspects of the Club from its days as “Riverside” in with the fundraising drive. transfer from Roma to Cardiff City in August 1963. It the early-1900s to the present day. Clive (left) pictured in the Trust reveals in correspondence that although the deal was Clive had supported the City since moving to South Wales 50 years ago and for £22,000, £9,500 had to be paid directly to Leeds • A menu card from a dinner at City Hall held had recently retired after many years in manufacturing and, more recently, office with Brian Mertens United who were still owed money from the transfer of after the FA Cup Final of 1925 – autographed by in retail. He joined the Trust in October 2008. the Gentle Giant to the Italian club. everyone present. Brian Mertens, the board member with responsibility for the Trust office, paid this tribute to Clive: “I was very shocked Porthcawl-born Richard saw his first game at Ninian Park • An inscribed silver cigarette case presented to and stunned by the sad news. Clive is a friend who I have known for five or six years. as an 11-year-old when Cardiff City lost to Portsmouth Jimmy Gill, one of only 12 produced in 1925 “We first met when he started to sit in the row in front of us on the Bob Bank and he was so amused at the comments 3-2 in April 1956 in the original First Division. His dad for the FA Cup Final and given by a made by my friend Bob, that we struck up a friendship at games. was a season-ticket holder. local evening paper to each of “You can imagine then how delighted I was when he volunteered to help the Trust. He had only recently retired and was the team plus the travelling Richard also follows the fortunes of Newport County looking forward to doing something new. You could say we were quite like-minded and knew each other much better reserve. and Swansea City whom he covered while a commenta- through organising the new Trust office and working together. I know that he took great personal pleasure in the work he did, including hanging framed pictures in the office, with good support and encouragement from his wife. “I could see us working together with the Trust for a long while, and he enjoyed his new interest and involvement. That is probably a lot to do with how welcome everyone made him feel. The transfer file of John Charles from “We have lost a very good man and Clive will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and their loss.” Roma to Cardiff City in July/August 1963 Trust members attended Clive’s funeral service at Holy Cross Church, Cowbridge, and Coychurch Crematorium, Bridgend. 20 21 Contents Quiz 17. 16. 15. 14. 13. 12. 11. 10. 20. 19. 18. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Which City legend died at the age ofthey 38 on beat 22 December4-0? 1990?City won their first ever football Howleague have game Arup at Associates the Cardiff contributed City stadium. toWhich the Who thendevelopment did Ipswich ofTown Cardiff player City scored FC? Name thethe lastfive everclubs. leagueWhen goal City at reached Ninian thePark? FA Cup finalfor ina fee2008 of they £1.75 beat million. fiveIn September clubs Which to club2001 get soldPeterto the him Thornefinal. to City? becameIn whatCity’s year record did City acquisition adopt its when current he1987/8 signed name season? of Cardiff CityWhat FC? unwanted club record did City1970/1 debutant season? full back WhoPhil became Bater a makeCity inplayer the for a thencountry club ofrecord birth. fee of team£35,000 squad at werethe startborn outsideofAccording the the toUK theor Ireland.Cardiff City Name official the Infive 1963 website players which five Cityand memberstheirdebutant of reputedlythe currenttrophy? scored first a goal from 70When yards City at won Ninian the FAPark? Cup in 1927Carlisle who presented United inskipper 1971?Which Fred City Keenor player with scoredthe a hat trickalso playedin the forfirst five 10 otherminutesThe late football of and a homelegendary league game clubs againstBrian in Clark his career.Whenplayed City in wasNametwo originally separatethe five clubs.spellsformed forin 1899City.jerg what in But 1964.was he the City club won firstCardiff’s 1-0 oncalled? aggregate first ever over European two legs. CupCeltic WinnersWho andscored GlasgowCup thegame onlyRangers? wasWhich goal? against current Danish city side player Esb- is onlyleague. one of Namefive the players otherCardiff everfive. to are play one for of bothsix WelshGlasgow clubsscored who City’shave ever two playedgoals?When in Cardiff the English lost theFootball 2010 ChampionshipFor howplay-off many years final was3-2 Ninianto Blackpool, Park the who home of Cardiff City?

1) 99. Ninian Park was our home from 1910 until 2009. 2) Michael Chopra and Joe.Ledley. 3) Swansea City, Wrexham, Newport County, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare Athletic. 4) ‘King’ . 5) Peter King. 6) Riverside FC. 7) Bristol City, Huddersfield Town, Bournemouth, Millwall and Newport County. 8) Alan Warboys. He went on to score another goal later in the game as City won 4-0. His track trick remains the fastest in City history. 9) King George V. 10) John Charles. 11) Filip Kiss (Slovakia), (France), Gabor Gypes (Hungary), (Iceland) and (Zambia). 12) Ian Gibson. 13). He was the first City player to be sent off on his league debut. 14) 1908. 15) Stoke City. 16) Chasetown, Hereford United, Wolves, Middlesbrough & Barnsley. 17) , now at Bristol City. 18) They were the architects of the current Cardiff City Stadium. 19) Scunthorpe United. 20) Robin Friday. He died of a heart attack. Contents Which stand doyou sitin? Cardiff. Llanrumney, in live I Where doyou live? Name: Karen Wolfendale trust memberq&a you? What key memoriesofNinianPark stand outfor the in Leicester against goal Whittingham’s Peter What isyour favourite goal? a is He player. favourite my is Whittingham Peter Who isyour favourite player/s andwhy? Barnsley against -final semi cup FA the be would This What isyour most memorable match andwhy? City watching been has friend my 2007 in was It and what game didyou see? Which year didyou start supportingCardiff City years three for holder ticket season a been have I play-off semi-final 2010. 2010. semi-final play-off He assists. of loads has and scorer goal fantastic the on up travelled I day, fantastic a was It 2008. in along go to wanted I If asked and girl a was she since is It Grandstand. the in seat same the had have and seems quiet and shy. I think that last season he was was he season last that think I shy. and quiet seems in up got I When friends. with stayed and Friday cannot I say to embarrassed am (I game a watch and lucky am I and seats premier the of right the to just played out of position and did not stand out really, really, out stand not did and position of out played think didn’t I and snowing was it and morning the Alexander Neil but playing were we who remember a have I me. around people of bunch great a have to but this season under Malky he has a different role role different a has he Malky under season this but Marylebone to along went We ahead. go would it go never would I swore and it hated I goal); in was learning am I so me to next sits who referee football and dictates a lot of the game. game. the of lot a dictates and pint. a with breakfast cooked big a had and Road got I game third my after and persevered I again! time. the all I kept checking my pocket to make sure that my my that sure make to pocket my checking kept I when started had I wish I honestly quite and bug the ticket was still there. It was so special, the whole whole the special, so was It there. still was ticket younger. much was I ceremony before and then when scored I I scored Ledley Joe when then and before ceremony was breathless with excitement. I did not want the the want not did I excitement. with breathless was day to end it was such a fabulous day. Even thought thought Even day. fabulous a such was it end to day our next trip was to lose to Portsmouth, I will always always will I Portsmouth, to lose to was trip next our remember that day. I felt City were the greatest greatest the were City felt I day. that remember team in the world. world. the in team I joined the Trust initially to try and volunteer my my volunteer and try to initially Trust the joined I the Trust to achieve onbehalfoffans? Why didyou jointheTrust andwhat doyou want un- I there. up is Leeds but Swansea, say to have I why? Which team isyour least favourite opponent and travel I season. a games away 6 about do to try I sticks outin most?your memory Do you follow theCityaway? Ifso, what game but Grandstand the in tickets season had friends My services to help. When I attended a meeting and and meeting a attended I When help. to services real the about sure not am but rivalry the derstand memo- trips the find always and Jefferies Tony with was atmosphere The Bank. Bob the in sat generally I listened to what they had to say I was astonished astonished was I say to had they what to listened sides. both on fans some by shown is that hatred the on people same the normally are There rable. chance get really not did I honest be to and great at the work that they do behind the scenes i.e. The The i.e. scenes the behind do they that work the at memorable most The time. great a have we and bus everyone seat my had I wherever as down sit to Fred Keenor Statue Appeal, and the Safe Standing Standing Safe the and Appeal, Statue Keenor Fred when Birmingham against was first my game, away (although game the of supporter new a As up. stood Roadshow. I can only think that they are there for for there are they that think only can I Roadshow. in scored Bowyer Lee then up 1-0 us put Ledley Joe men the that found always I book) rule a bought I the good of the club and can only hope that the the that hope only can and club the of good the would it thought I and feisty bit a got it time, extra there if advise to happy be would me to next sat Trust continue with what they are doing for the fans fans the for doing are they what with continue Trust years several am I here but trip, last and first my be sit did I When understand. not did I something was and also the relationship they have forged with the the with forged have they relationship the also and going. still and on ladies some were there Ninian in grandstand the in club itself. club of two (all toilets ladies the decorated always who them) at Christmas. Christmas. at them) 23 football reform requires tough Kevin Rye of Supporters Direct writes for Charged with the task: Sports Minister Hugh Moving to a Different Beat on the way Robertson (Picture: Culture, Media and Sport Office) forward for football in the UK. love

he case to reform how football is by kevin rye run is undeniable. Now it’s hoped – is going to allow this process to drag on, sectional interests. We want a game that is and in any way disrupt what is the most governed with rigour, where the governing the Government has just kicked T been asked to reform itself. Investigations, important item in his diary next year bar body takes decisions for the good of the off the biggest changes in almost 150 reports and commissions recommending none. game, not for the good of those who have years. fundamental reform in the game have been You might also ask what role Supporters the loudest voices; a level playing field, with The key to change is the introduction of a left gathering dust on the shelf over the Direct can play in this process. Obviously fairness and reward for those who do the licensing system – and in its response the years, from Dennis – later Lord – Howell in we represent the views of the hundreds of right things, and appropriate sanction to Government echoed many of the key recom- the 1960’s to the Burns Review in 2006 and thousands of members of supporters’ trusts deter those who don’t or won’t; and real mendations in the comprehensive Culture all points in between (around eight in total), across the country and these recommenda- transparency, so that everyone knows what Media and Sport Committee report into it is essentially a procession of failure, though tions are important: Giving clubs that are the system of regulation is – not just those football governance. with a few minor reforms admittedly. already supporter-owned the means to with a knowledge of the various and varied The standout recommendation – some might This is where the Government’s tough line increase their ability to raise money (see rulebooks. say ‘game changer’ – is the introduction of on implementation has to be seen as the our recent briefing papers); increasing the Meaningful, long-term reform is contingent a licensing system for football clubs (though key part of the process. Hugh Robertson has opportunity for supporters trusts to achieve on reform of The FA to create a governing a minority still argued in vain that we didn’t learned the lessons of the past and set a firm a significant shareholding in their clubs, and body fit for purpose; the introduction of li- need such a system, this was roundly reject- date for agreed proposals from the football a long-term solution for our future funding, censing will we hope create more certainty, ed by the Committee and the Government). authorities – 29 February 2012. This is an all of these are welcome. clarity and fairness; and the introduction of explicit recognition that asking football nicely Although the technicalities of the system But along with the many, many people a formalised role for supporters’ trusts and doesn’t work; ‘tough love’ is the order of remain to be worked out by the authorities – who are colleagues in the reform move- fans in general will for the first time start to the day, if we are to finally see reform of The and that is not just a mere detail – licensing ment in football, we will continue to press break down the barriers that exist between FA, the tackling of the vicious cycle of boom is coming. We expect to see a more rigor- everyone not to waste this opportunity for short-term owners and long-term followers. and bust that has seen over 50 league clubs ous financial and governance regime, with football to reform itself; we However, whether Hugh Robertson bankrupt since 1992 (many more than once), greater protection for football stadia, and of wholeheartedly support the becomes the Sports Minister who finally and many other things besides. Football’s fundamental interest to Supporters Direct Government’s determination manages to push football into the biggest tendency – even tenacity – to send the ball and supporters’ trusts, new formal, struc- to see this process through to individual set of reforms since the establish- with one swift kick sailing into the long grass tured relationships between fans and clubs, a conclusion. ment of The FA 147 years ago now depends instead of the open goal is not part of the where rights are conferred and responsibili- on one thing; tough love. plan. We have always called for ties acknowledged by both parties. change beyond just our own With the Olympics also looming large over However, even the biggest optimist will point the horizon, it’s difficult to see how Govern- out that this is not the first time football has ment – least of all Hugh Robertson himself Our goal is to promote sustainable spectator sports clubs based “ on supporters’ involvement & community ownership 24 ” Dim ond gêm yw e on the road with the bluebirds

n dilyn carcharu gwr am ladd Mikey oeddwn i wedi ei by terry phillips Dye, mae Tim Hartley, Cadeirydd weld droeon ar pencer Prior ran out of the team hotel in Sweden and deithiau Caerdydd looked around in a panic. Too late! Cardiff city’s team coach yr Ymddiriedolaeth, yn cofio noson a Chymru, had gone. “I’m the Cardiff city captain and I rang your office to book a park- S ing place,” he stormed. “What do you mean we can’t go in?” Y cefnogwr pybyr, The Bluebirds were on a pre-season tour to Scandinavia a decade drychinebus yn Wembley The startled attendant apologised and let us in. Doeddwn i ddim yn disgwyl ryw lawer - Cymru yn erbyn dyn cyffredin, dyn ago and they were playing across the Danish border in Copenha- Once we had parked Ford smiles and told the man: “I didn’t really Lloegr yn Wembley. Roeddem wedi colli i Loegr eisoes yn fel fi - yn farw. gen, around 30 miles away. ring the office, but we needed to park.” y gystadleuaeth a doedd dim gobaith gennym i gyrraedd Y dydd Sadwrn was manager and had offered me a lift to the rowndiau terfynol Pencampwriaethau Ewrop. Dyma faich canlynol roedd game. Fearing the consequences, of course, I had made sure of I won’t forget the match when Cardiff-born Simon Haworth, a cefnogwyr Cymru erioed. Wel, ers 1958 beth bynnag. Caerdydd being one of the first on board. former Bluebirds striker, responded to calls to ‘Do the Ayatollah’. Prior hailed a taxi and told the driver: “Catch that team coach.” The problem was Haworth was playing for Wigan Athletic and Ond roedd y diwrnod arbennig yma wedi dechrau’n yn chwarae The central defender, now living and coaching football in Australia, home fans went wild. Several left their seats and approached the addawol. Bues i a’r mab yn chwarae i dîm cefnogwyr Doncaster ac am arrived at the ground in time, but still copped a hefty fine from dug-out, shouting at Wigan’s manager to get him off. Cymru yn erbyn yr hen elyn ar gae Wealdstone F.C. unwaith nid oedd the players committee which comprised of Prior, Martyn Marget- It was also at Wigan Athletic where I arrived a little late. It was Bu’n arfer gan griw ohonom ers rhai blynyddoedd i yr un rhialtwch a’r gwylltineb arferol ar hyd Sloper Road son and Graham Kavanagh. All the money, of course, went to the well before kick-off, but away fans were already in the stadium herio cefnogwyr ledled Ewrop wrth i’r tîm cenedlaethol i’n stadiwm ysblennydd. Roedd pobl yn siarad yn isel players’ Christmas fund. and I parked close to the coaches. chwarae. Mae hyn wedi ein harwain i bellafion Azerbaijan, ac yn cerdded mymryn yn arafach na’r arfer, ac wrth i ni Gwlad yr Iâ, Latvia a ymysg llefydd eraill. gyrraedd hen giatiau Ninian Park, gwelwyd fod cefnogwyr But that’s not the end of the tale. When the tour ended Lawrence A policewoman was unloading beer from the luggage compart- o bell ac agos wedi gosod torchau, crysau Caerdydd a and his Bluebirds headed for Malmo airport and boarded the air- ments of coaches and piling it up. I wondered why - and asked her. Sgoriodd y Saeson gôl amheus yn y funud olaf ac fe baneri Cymru er mwyn cofio un ohonom ni. craft. Just before take-off time the pilot announced one passenger “The beer shouldn’t be on the coaches and we are taking it off,” gafodd y mab gerdyn melyn am gwestiynu llinach y ref. was missing - Captain Kav. said the policewoman. Ond enillodd tîm hunan apwyntiedig Cefnogwyr Cymru Talwyd teyrnged i Mikey yn y grownd a chyfeiriodd Ali, A few minutes later, looking flustered and unhappy, Kavanagh When I enquired, politely, how that would help the police control ar giciau o’r smotyn a mawr fu’r dathlu yn ôl yn y clwb. sydd yn gwneud y datganiadau yn y grownd, at farwolaeth boarded the flight to a round of applause from his team-mates. away fans - who were able to buy beer inside the stadium - she Hen elynion? Nid dros beint neu dri o gwrw lleol! A dyna un dyn arall yr wythnos yna, tad Brendan Rogers, rheolwr The players fund was given another injection of cash as Prior threatened to arrest me. What for? Asking a question? ydy prif atyniad y teithiau peldroed yma i nifer ohonom Abertawe. Cafwyd munud o dawelwch i’r ddau ohonynt. made sure the fine was as big, if not bigger. The policewomen carried on with her task and I’m certain - cwrdd gyda phobloedd estron (wel glywsoch chi am Tawelwch pur wrth i ni anghofio am elyniaeth clwb neu Over the years in South Wales I’ve worked with quite a few Bluebirds fans weren’t at all happy when they came out after the Wealdstone erioed?) a chwrdd â ffrindiau newydd. wlad wrth i ni gyd gofio mai pobl ydym cyn ein bod yn gefnogwyr. managers - Eddie May, , Kenny Hibbitt, , match. Ychydig yn sigledig felly y cychwynnom ar y daith i Frank Burrows, Billy Ayre, Alan Cork, Lennie Lawrence, Dave Jones Ni fydd gweithredoedd unigolion neu grwpiau bychain Robert Earnshaw’s first League goal proved a real headache for Wembley. “Watch your backs lads and stick with us,” and, now, Malky Mackay. yn fy rhwystro rhag dilyn peldroed. Yn wir roedd ambell one Bluebirds’ fan. He clambered onto railings in the away end meddai’r Saeson oedd am ein diogelu wrth i ni adael Pre-season tours have taken me to Seattle, Vancouver, Portugal, behind a goal and jumped, landing by the side of the pitch. y tiwb a bu digon o hwyl a thynnu coes rhyngom ar y un yn y gêm yn erbyn Doncaster yn darogan yn hyderus y byddai marwolaeth un dyn yn arwain at newid Spain, Scotland, Ireland and more. He lurched forward, banged his head on a post and knocked daith i lawr Wembley Way. Ond wrth fynd i mewn i’r On one trip to Portugal, during the summer of 2007, I made the himself out. Thankfully, the fan recovered. grownd dyma weld yr heddlu a pharameddygon mewn agwedd ac ymddygiad y sawl sy’n dwyn anfri ar ein gêm mistake of going for a walk when the players were resting. Even I still chat to quite a few former managers now and again includ- cylch. Roedd rhywun ar y llawr yn derbyn triniaeth. genedlaethol. Dwi ddim mor naïf a chredu hynna ond rwyf worse, I walked up a hill which was in full view of hotel rooms. ing Jimmy Andrews, Frank Burrows, Lennie Lawrence, Eddie May “Meddwyn,” meddwn wrth y mab yn ddigon diystyriol, a yn obeithiol fod colli Mikey wedi rhoi ysgytwad i sawl un. That was my Michael Chopra moment. When I opened the room and more. bant a ni i’n seti. Wrth ysgrifennu hyn rwyf yn paratoi i fynychu gêm door on my return it was a mess. And I mean wrecked. Furniture I also miss Billy Ayre, who was a real gent. When City were short Cymru yn erbyn y Swistir yn Abertawe ac yna yn ei throi hi Daeth hi’n amlwg hanner amser fod rhywbeth mawr was upside down, even the bed. Written on the bathroom mirror of players for a friendly against an Army team in Chepstow, tuag at Fwlgaria ar gyfer gêm olaf ymgyrch aflwyddiannus o’i le. Andy, ‘Cymro’ o Reading, ddywedodd wrthyf fod in Chopra’s best toothpaste was: ‘Guess Who?’ manager Billy got changed and played at centre-half. He was arall i gyrraedd rowndiau terfynol ryw bencampwriaeth rhywun wedi ymosod ar un o’r cefnogwyr gan ei adael yn pretty good as well. neu’i gilydd. Codaf beint i gefnogwr na fydd yno’r tro Chopra and pals had left my room in a complete mess. It was bril- anymwybodol. “It didn’t look good Tim,” oedd ei farn ef. After a match at Bristol Rovers I chatted to Billy next to the team hwn, a hynny gyda lwc yng nghwmni criw o Jacs yn y liantly done, too, because nothing was damaged. It took me hours Dim ond wedyn wrth ddisgwyl yn y bws yn y maes parcio bus, asking what had gone wrong defensively with a goal Cardiff Liberty neu mewn bar yn Sofia. A’r unig beth sydd yn fy to get everything back in place - and I had stern words with hotel dan lif oleuadau trist Wembley clywsom y newyddion nad City had conceded. nhristau’r penwythnos rhyngwladol arbennig yma yw na staff about handing out a spare key card. yw’r un cefnogwr eisiau clywed, bod dyn tua’r un oedran He was keen to show me and called players off the bus, borrowed fyddaf yn gallu chwarae peldroed fy hun bnawn dydd Sul In the Republic of Ireland there was the moment. a fi wedi marw o ganlyniad i ddwrn, a hynny mewn a couple of fans gathered nearby to act as Rovers players and ym Mryntirion gan y byddaf eisoes ar fy ffordd i ddwyrain The Bluebirds were playing on what was a parks pitch during the gêm beldroed. Ar y ffonau symudol roedd y gwefannau went through it with me. Ewrop. Hon efallai yw’r gêm bwysicaf o’r tair. Gêm i gofio pre-season tour just before bought the club. a’r trydar yn drwch o sïon o’r hyn yr oedd wedi, neu Gould was asked by Hammam to take a look at the team, but Billy also acted decisively when captain Mike Ford and the players nad oedd wedi digwydd - grwpiau o Saeson yn chwilio Mikey yw hi a chyfle i godi arian i’w deulu. Gêm rhwng cefnogwyr Caerdydd - ac Abertawe. didn’t want to be seen. He chose a spot in bushes overlooking the decided they would never, ever speak to the South Wales Echo am ffeit, ffans Abertawe wedi ymosod ar gefnogwyr pitch and began his spying mission. again. I can’t remember why, but when Billy heard he said: “Give Caerdydd, un dwrn, pump o lanciau. Ond ymhlith y It didn’t work, though, because Gould could clearly be seen. me a few minutes.” sŵn a’r honiadau yma roedd un ffaith yn gwbl amlwg. He was back pretty quickly, saying: “All sorted. They won’t try Roedd Mikey Dye, cefnogwr Caerdydd, tad fel fi, gwr yr Tim Hartley On one trip to Gillingham in Kent, where City were playing the exiles of Brighton and Hove Albion, club captain Mike Ford asked that again.” for a lift. When we arrived at Priestfield Stadium there was no It was too. Manager Billy had spoken - and the players had parking space available and Ford lost his cool. listened. 26