Many of us here at GF Europe are avid Cardiff City supporters and the news pre-season was somewhat of a shock. The new Malaysian owners decided to completely rebrand the club leaving many supporters with both red faces and red shirts. The move followed after several discussions between club directors and Malaysian investors Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Dato Chan Tien Ghee. The changes were introduced as part of "major and significant" investment by the Championship club's Malaysian owners.
The idea behind the rebranding was to exploit and maximise the ‘Cardiff City’ brand and commercial revenues in the growing Asian markets. The rebranding provoked disappointment and anger among many fans of the club. Many supporters refused to reorder season tickets; one fan even went as far as to auction off his support on ebay to any other football club. The badge was also changed from the traditional 113 year old bluebird crest to a red dragon with the phrase ’Fire and Passion’ underneath it.
The reaction from the city fans showed that despite serious financial gain they would rather keep tradition; wearing blue with the embroidered bluebird badge on the left chest. This goes to show how important a badge is to people. A lot of memories and meanings can be assigned to a badge; the Bluebird badge was worn when we won the F.A cup in 1927. The Bluebird badge was also worn when we were growing up and supporting the team as children. The Bluebird crest gave everyone a sense of belonging; it represented the history and tradition of the club. But that is no longer!
But this season is the start of a new stronger Cardiff City team both on the pitch and financially. Although the badge has changed, we are still the same club. We have the same supporters, the same team and the same history. I’m sure the phrases ‘Cardiff City Redbirds’ or ‘Fire and Passion’ will not stick in a hurry. But a fresh start has given Cardiff City FC a new lease of life and we are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table.
At GF we supply many teams with badges; creating a sense of pride in the community. Badge making is a skill we have developed over thirty years. We produce quality computer programs which deliver high class designs using only the very best materials. For a high quality, low cost badge making service then call GF today on 02920 755733, visit our eshop or send an email to info@goldenfinishes.com.
