Dream Academy
SAM Hammam is ready to splash out big money on the youth of Wales in a bid to ensure Cardiff City's future success.
Owner Hammam dreams of his Bluebirds competing on equal footing with top European clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Real Madrid - and he believes that dream will draw closer in 2004.
City step up their bid for crucial Academy status - and a place alongside Premiership clubs - when they hand in 100-page document and a video of their facilities in London tomorrow.
The details will be considered by the Football League, Football Association and Premiership.
"The most important factor to Cardiff City's future is the stadium - and next comes the Academy," said Hammam.
"With the stadium we have a future, without it we are dead.
"The next thing, more important even than first team results, is the Academy.
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Sam's aiming for the top
2004 will be the biggest year in Cardiff City history.
Building work on the new stadium will start in March - and City are awaiting news of their application to move their youth development system alongside Premiership clubs.
The decision on their 100-page application document for Academy status, handed in today, will be made on January 20. Those, says Bluebirds owner Sam Hammam, are top of the Cardiff City agenda, even above promotion to the Premiership.
But, make no mistake, Hammam has strong views on City's hopes of completing a climb from Division Three to the Premiership in four years.
Suggest within his earshot that any top half spot would do just nicely for Cardiff City - and stand back.
When I even hinted that it might be too early for City to take their place in the Premiership, that the club as a whole might not be ready for the step up, his reaction was harsh.
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