Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has broken his silence following widespread criticism from supporters over the club’s relegation to League One.

The Malaysian businessmen has released a personal message in response to an open letter from the Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust which had accused him of showing no interest in the club’s decline.

Tan has refuted those claims and has vowed to carry on backing the club, but his suggested “review” falls notably short of any involvment for fans groups.

In a statement addressed directly to fans, Tan acknowledged the frustration among the fanbase, accepted responsibility for decisions that hadn’t worked, and vowed to lead the club’s efforts to return to the Championship as soon as possible.

“I wish to acknowledge the open letter that has been issued by our Supporters’ Trust. We hear your words and I share your hurt and frustration,” Tan wrote. 

“Not all decisions when it comes to the First Team have worked as I had hoped for us.”

Cardiff’s relegatiom was confirmed with a game to spare, sparking criticism from angry fans who have accused the club’s leadership of a lack of footballing strategy, poor managerial appointments, and disengagement at the top level. 

But Tan pushed back on those claims and reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

“To say I don’t care is wrong and I strongly push back on that. I watch every game and speak to the Board and manager before and after each one. My family will tell you: I kick every ball!”

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Tan stressed that work has already begun behind the scenes to rebuild the club, including the appointment of a permanent managerial team and broader strategic planning.

“A period of review is being undertaken; a permanent manager and management team will be appointed in the coming weeks,” he said. 

“As a point of developing strategy, our Board of Directors have begun internal discussions with executive management and staff to strategise and plan for the summer and new season.”

The 72-year-old businessman, who has owned Cardiff since 2010, admitted the drop to the third tier is “upsetting,” but signalled an intention to repair the damage.

“To lose our place in the Championship is upsetting. The important thing is that we regain it at the earliest opportunity and I would like to take this chance to tell you that I am committed to getting us back.”

“We have enjoyed good times together,” Tan added. 

“I can tell all Cardiff City supporters that it is my intention to support correcting the situation we find ourselves in. I want us to all pull in the same direction.”

While his message may offer a degree of reassurance to some, most supporters remain wary after years of instability both on and off the pitch.

Cardiff have seen 11 permanent managers since 2013 and have looked directionless since they were relegated back to the Championship in 2019.

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Tan also insisted he would soon attend a Bluebirds’ home match – something he has not done for almost three years.

He added:  “I will make every effort to be in Cardiff at the next opportunity that my scheduling allows. I am sorry that we are where we are this summer. It is now time to rebuild.”

Vincent Tan’s statement in full:

To all Cardiff City supporters,

I wish to acknowledge the open letter that has been issued by our Supporters’ Trust. 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.

To lose our place in the Championship is upsetting. The important thing is that we regain it at the earliest opportunity and I would like to take this chance to tell you that I am committed to getting us back. A period of review is being undertaken; a permanent manager and management team will be appointed in the coming weeks. As a point of developing strategy, our Board of Directors have begun internal discussions with executive management and staff to strategise and plan for the summer and new season.

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To say I don’t care is wrong and I strongly push back on that. I watch every game and speak to the Board and manager before and after each one. My family will tell you: I kick every ball!

We have enjoyed good times together. I can tell all Cardiff City supporters that it is my intention to support correcting the situation we find ourselves in. I want us to all pull in the same direction.

I will make every effort to be in Cardiff at the next opportunity that my scheduling allows. I am sorry that we are where we are this summer. It is now time to rebuild.

Vincent