Welsh football: Cardiff City's dream season turning into a nightmare

Thousands of "reluctant reds" have so far stomached Tan's orders to change the club's crest and kit colour.

But his latest display of crude vandalism on the club's identity has sparked an overdue backlash. Last week, in an interview at his palatial Malaysian home, Tan told a Welsh journalist that he intended to rebrand the Bluebirds as the Cardiff Dragons.

The South Wales Echo newspaper hit back at Tan immediately with a scathing front page which simply proclaimed: "NO."

Malaysian chairman Dato Chan Tien Ghee resigned to concentrate on "other business interests" and the club's overworked spin doctors have promised the club's name will remain unchanged.

Yesterday supporters held another public meeting in an attempt to build on that burst of energy and ensure that the likes of Craig Bellamy and Peter Whittingham are running out in blue, representing Cardiff City in the Premier League next season.

Many City fans, much older and wiser than I, have suggested that Cardiff City no longer exist, and others have embarked on doomed attempts to start an AFC Wimbledon-style breakaway club.

But I believe in my head and my heart that Cardiff City fans can reclaim our club's identity - if we are prepared to fight for it.

After all, it's only a decade ago that we persuaded Sam Hammam to give up his plans to rebrand our club the Cardiff Celts and make us play in green and white.

Central to the preservation of Cardiff's identity will be a relatively new supporters' trust, who are showing willing to lead the fightback by launching a major consultation on the rebrand.

While a German model of successful fan-led football seems a world away from today's reality, an empowered supporters' trust with a seat on City's board can help steer the club towards a sustainable future in which thrilling performances on the pitch grab the headlines.

Tuesday's draw with Derby marked the club's 100th game at a smart new stadium. While it took time to make the ground our own, Cardiff fans have now embraced what we acknowledge as real progress, even if a move away from Ninian Park was painful.

But Cardiff City are a one-of-a-kind club who move to a different beat and nobody, no matter how many zeroes sit on the end of their bank balance, should be allowed to tear the spirit and soul from our club.

As the song goes - we support the Bluebirds and that's the way we like it!