together with Membership Treasurer, Brian Mertens met up for an informal chat with U-Jiun Tan, who joined the board of Cardiff City following the Malaysian investment in May 2010.
We started off by consoling each other after the loss to the Jacks. We felt bad enough but imagine the pain of flying 7,000 miles to see that!
U-Jiun told us that like many Malaysians, he was already a keen fan of British football before his father, Vincent Tan and TG ever got involved at Cardiff City. It was amusing to hear that U-Jiun, as a seasoned football follower and businessman, had warned his father not to get involved with a football club. Thankfully for us, he was told by his Dad that it was too late, he'd already done the deal. However, by then, it sounds like U-Jiun himself was already somewhat in love with the Bluebirds as he shared with us his excitement in watching our run to the FA Cup Final in 2008. Clearly, since then U-Jiun has built up an impressive knowledge of our beloved Club.
Very much like TG on Friday, U-Jiun reassured us that he, his Dad and TG see themselves as custodians of a commodity that they know is very precious to us, the fans. Indeed, they feel the weight of responsibility that goes with being in charge of a Club that is treasured by thousands upon thousands of people in Wales and throughout the world. They're not planning to make us the new Man City or Chelsea but hope to build a sustainable future for the Club and ensure a legacy for the coming generations of Cardiff City supporters. Music to everyone's ears, I'm sure.
U-Jiun could not foresee himself becoming more involved day-to-day at Cardiff City as has been rumoured, since flying over from Malaysia on a monthly basis is already a challenge for his body clock and his business interests. Besides, he feels Gethin Jenkins is doing a great job.
We had a delightful chat with U-Jiun who impressed us with his knowledge of the Club and its current position on and off the field. Above all, we felt we were talking to someone who knows what it is to be in love with Cardiff City and who has the best interests of the Club at heart.
A desperately poor weekend on the pitch but our meeting with TG on Friday and with U-Jiun on Sunday left us feeling that the Club couldn't be in better hands and that Premier League football is very much on the agenda, despite our customary slip up against our little brothers.
Mike Roderick
Trust Vice Chair
www.ccfctrust.org