Cardiff Owner Backtracks on Name Change

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has backtracked on his earlier suggestion that the Welsh club could be renamed the Cardiff Dragons.

Speaking to the BBC, Malaysian billioanaire Tan, suggested that the team’s name could change to Cardiff Dragons in a bid to gain further recognition in Asia.

Last year, Tan controversially changed the Bluebirds’ home kit from blue to red and changed the logo to include a dragon.

Fans are now concerned that he will take the rebranding a step further with a change of name, but Tan has moved to allay their fears.

Tan said: “I can assure all supporters that we will not be changing our name from Cardiff City Football Club, a club I am very proud to be a part of.

“Our name is our identity and remains at our core. I would not want any of our supporters to be concerned that this change would be made, hoping that this personal commitment from myself removes any fears.

“I believe the colour change is positive and will bring good tidings to Cardiff City Football Club. At this point of time, no decision has been made to change the club crest for the next season.

“For the present day, all I would ask is that we all join together, continuing your excellent support at what is a critical juncture in our season. Our collective aim is to back Malky Mackay and his team as they work hard to bring us all success.

“Working together we can achieve great things in the name of Cardiff City Football Club.”

Tan had previously said to the BBC regarding the name change: “”We will think about it when we know the final result of this season. Then we will think what’s the best way to brand it.”

However, Tan’s move to calm fans has not completely worked, with former captain Luke Perry still concerned. Perry said to BBC Wales: “”You do have that nagging voice in the back of your mind that it could all change simply when Cardiff City get into the Premier League.

“But I’m hoping that he’s a man of his word, that he says now that no, he won’t do that, that’s he’s changed the colour and one or two things might be changing too – hopefully not – but certainly leave the name.

“I just feel then [if the name change went ahead] it would separate Cardiff City, the club that we know, from the fan base that is nearest to them and that’s around Cardiff and the valleys.”