Andrew Andronikou

I listened with some interest the statement from Portsmouth's Administrator. Two things struck a chord with me, the first was that his first job was to cut all costs to the bone. The reason this nudged a dormant thought within me was it inspired the question, "How much cost cutting has Cardiff City done to help the current 'short term cash flow issue'"...... Have they downgraded from five star to four star hotels, have they stopped flying guests to games, have they suspended directors salaries, what have they done to cut costs....... my guess nothing

The second and more salient point is the administrators comment about a full investigation into all financial dealings and if any dealings were fraudulent the police would be informed...... That got me thinking, as much as I try and keep up to date with the dealings of the boardroom there is enough smoke, mirrors and three card shuffles to certainly bamboozle a meagre layman as myself with only a few minutes per day to try and keep up. However a knowing professional with access to all documents and time on his hands I wonder what would be uncovered. Judging by the hissy fit Ridsdale had over the email fiasco I believe he has secrets aplenty. It beggars belief he owns over 10% of club with zero investment.........

An interesting post and I think you're spot on with your questions.

I run a business that assists major companies with reducing their operational costs and what I always find is that there is always an 'event' that prompts them to focus on cost, rather than it being part of their everyday strategy (although some claim it is!). For example, I've been assisting a major global investment bank over the last 6 months and until 18 months ago they couldn't give a toss about excessive operational costs - then the credit crunch came. Suddenly they want to save a few hundred million to compensate for reduced revenue due to lower trading patterns.

I see the same with football clubs and I think you've hit the nail on the head - Cardiff (and football clubs in general) are not cost prudent. Unfortunately the 'event' for many football clubs is going into administration, by which point you could argue it's too late.

This is exactly what I am talking about, I am trying to point out the 'event' has already happened (winding up order). Similar in my job, we were told to cut project costs, we were given a target which on first sight looked ludicrous however when you get into it and questioning every cost you can actually save a remarkable amount of money without effecting your day to day operations....... surely we are there with Cardiff. If the business plan is based on outside investment to save the day why don't the directors take no pay until that day.......