Bluebirds fans are upset as the discussion over Cardiff City’s future heats up as Gareth Bale’s consortium pursues the Welsh club, while dissatisfied fans push for Vincent Tan to step down. With the Bluebirds relegated to League One for the first time in more than two decades, the question isn’t whether change is necessary, but whether it is unavoidable.
The Latest Takeover Developments
Gareth Bale’s Renewed Push
Welsh legend Gareth Bale has stated that his consortium has made a new, better offer to take full ownership of Cardiff City. Bale called the current bid as “more than fair,” and it represents a big increase over the previously rejected £40 million deal.
“We have a brand new offer on the table, recently just gone in. We think it’s a great offer. We’re very happy. We think it’s very fair, if not more than fair, and something we hope the current owners will take serious,” Bale revealed to Front Office Sports.
The consortium, backed by US private equity group The Storch Family, sees owning Cardiff as Bale’s “dream come true” a chance to return his hometown club to the Premier League where they belong.
Vincent Tan’s Silence Frustrates Supporters
Despite the high-profile nature of Bale’s bid, Malaysian owner Vincent Tan has been uncharacteristically hesitant in the takeover discussions. The Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust has sharply criticised the club for failing to clarify the situation, calling it “extremely unacceptable”.
The Trust contacted three Europe-based directors seeking an official position, only to receive a dismissive reply that the club would not comment on “rumours”, a response that has done little to ease growing fan unease.
Vincent Tan’s Turbulent 15-Year Legacy
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since taking over Cardiff City in 2010, Vincent Tan has overseen a period of dramatic inconsistency:
• 16 different managers (including caretakers) across his ownership
• 8 managers in the last four years alone
• Two Premier League campaigns (2013/14 and 2018/19)
• Over £200 million invested in the club
• £117 million in outstanding loans from Tan to the club
Recent Relegation Sparks Fan Revolt
Cardiff’s relegation to League One in May 2025 marked a devastating low point in Tan’s ownership. Fans responded with chants of “Vincent Tan, get out of our club” outside the stadium, while protests calling for the board to be sacked became increasingly common.
In his first public statement to fans since 2018, Tan acknowledged the criticism: “We hear your words and I share your hurt and frustration. Not all decisions when it comes to the First Team have worked as I had hoped for us”.
However, many supporters remain unconvinced by what they see as empty promises, with fans on social media dismissing his statement as “waffle” and a “token gesture”.
The Mike Ashley Comparison
Parallel Frustrations
The comparison between Vincent Tan and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is particularly striking when examining fan sentiment and ownership patterns:
Mike Ashley’s Newcastle Legacy:
• Net spend of just £129.8 million over 14 years
• Consistently ranked as the worst Premier League owner
• Fan protests and calls for his departure throughout his tenure
• Reluctance to invest meaningfully in the club’s success
Vincent Tan’s Cardiff Similarities:
• Frequent managerial changes undermining stability
• Growing disconnect between owner and fanbase
• Broken promises and repeated cycles of disappointment
• Resistance to selling despite clear fan dissatisfaction
Both owners have been criticized for treating their clubs more as business assets than sporting institutions, leading to sustained fan unrest and calls for new ownership.
What New Ownership Could Bring
Bale’s Vision for Cardiff
Gareth Bale’s consortium offers a compelling alternative to the current regime:
• Local connection and passion: Bale’s uncle Chris Pike played for Cardiff from 1989-1993
• Clear sporting ambition: Stated goal of returning Cardiff to the Premier League
• Financial backing: Support from established US private equity
• Fresh leadership: An end to the cycle of managerial instability
The Potential Transformation
Under new ownership, Cardiff could see:
• Sustainable long-term planning rather than short-term fixes
• Investment in youth development and infrastructure
• Restored connection between club and community
• Professional management structure to support on-field success
The Fan Verdict: Time for Change
The evidence from supporter reactions is overwhelming—Cardiff City fans want Vincent Tan to sell. The Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust has been particularly vocal, criticizing the “failure to address fundamental required changes from the top down”.
Fan sentiment reflects a clear belief that Tan’s promises ring hollow after 15 years of unfulfilled potential. As one supporter noted on social media: “These words are nothing if they don’t turn into proper action, this has gone far enough”.
What Happens Next?
With Cardiff facing their first season in League One since 2003, the pressure on Vincent Tan has never been greater. Gareth Bale’s consortium continues to wait for a response to their improved offer, while fans grow increasingly impatient with the lack of transparency from current ownership.
The parallels with Mike Ashley’s eventually successful sale of Newcastle United suggest that sustained fan pressure and credible takeover interest can eventually force change. The question now is whether Vincent Tan will recognise that his time at Cardiff City has reached its natural conclusion.
Should Vincent Tan sell Cardiff City? Based on fan sentiment, the club’s recent trajectory, and the credible alternative offered by Bale’s consortium, the answer appears to be a resounding yes. The only remaining question is whether Tan himself will finally listen to the supporters who have consistently supported Cardiff City and deserve so much more.
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