For the good of Wales?

There was a time when Cardiff City’s owner thought Swans’ fans should get behind Cardiff City for the good of Welsh football.  It did not go down well and contributed to more than a fair amount of abuse heading the way of the Cardiff City owner. Here’s the report on the issue from the Western Mail.

When the Swans got promoted no one asked Cardiff fans to support us and their reaction to being confirmed as Wales’ second team has not always been very positive.

Western Mail, 16 May 2003 

Mixed Swans response to Sam’s call

SAM HAMMAM’S call for people across Wales to get behind Cardiff City’s promotion bid has received a mixed response in Swansea.

The charismatic Cardiff owner believes the Welsh nation should be solidly behind the Bluebirds’ push for a Premiership place to aid Welsh soccer.

But John Lewis, landlord of the Clarence Inn in Swansea’s William Street, just a stone’s throw from the Vetch Field, says his regulars think differently.

He said, “If I’m honest, I think it would be a good thing for the whole of Welsh soccer to haveCardiffup in the Premiership.

“But I’m afraid none of my customers would agree with me. They only support one team in here and that’s Swansea City.”

Long-term Swansea fan and now club director David Morgan agreed, saying, “I’m afraid Swansea and Cardiff are two different cities and two different regions.

“Why does Sam Hammam think his team and his vision of a glorious future have a God-given right to be supported by everyone inWales?

“It was very gratifying to get goodwill messages from individual Cardiff fans when Swansea were fighting for survival. But there was nothing from the club officially – it was down to some of the fans on the terraces who sent us messages over the internet or on phone-ins.”

Eileen Walton, secretary of the Swansea Civic Society, said she would rather see people supporting The Swans, but there was some support last night to backCardiffin a one-off game.

John Button, secretary of the Swansea City Supporters’ Club, said, “Maybe, for this one match, the football supporters of Wales could get behind Cardiff.

“I think most Swansea fans would wish them well and, personally, I would hope they do well.

“We only have three Football League teams in Wales and we very nearly lost our status this season, so the more success we can have the better. If Cardiff do well it will give everyone something to aim for.”

But Button admitted that not all Swans fans would share his view and a strong contingent would be hoping for aCardiffdefeat at the Millennium Stadium on May 25.

“There is such a tremendous amount of rivalry, but I think the genuine football fan would want to see them win.

“We haven’t played them in the league for a few years now, but I think there’s a love-hate relationship there really.

“I’ll bet there were some hopingBristolCityhad won this week, but I think mostSwanseafans would wish them well.”

From the very start of his reign at Ninian Park three years ago, Hammam has pleaded with Swans fans to join him in his quest for Premiership football in Wales.