A fans forum night held by Cardiff City Chairman Peter Ridsdale and manager Dave Jones last night revealed no more than we already knew, that Cardiff City and Cardiff Blues are inevitably going to share a new 30,000 all-seater stadium.

Many fans were keen to know about the future of the potential ground-share, and Dave Jones responded with a positive view.

“I am all for sharing the new stadium with Cardiff Blues RFC”

Cardiff Blues RFC?

“Money is a major factor these days and sharing will cut costs. If the Blues ask about sharing and are given the go-ahead, it can only benefit both clubs.”

He also revealed that both parties are set to share training ground ‘Hensol’, in the Vale of Glamorgan.

“The gymnasium at the training ground will be shared but we’ll have separate changing rooms and baths.”

As for the stadium itself, new Chairman Peter Ridsdale, who has taken over from controversial former owner Sam Hamman, has announced that;

'A pitch would cost between £800,000 and £1m. If you go for the more expensive pitch then whether you play football or rugby there'd be no effect. You cannot damage the surface. It's three parts fibre to one part grass.'

He continued;

“It will cost £53m to build the athletic stadium, retail park, football stadium, indoor facility and pay all the people who help in that including lawyers, designers etc. Of that we are paying £16m. Retailers are giving Cardiff County Council a chunk of money to make up the other 70 per cent. If we do share with Cardiff Blues then that would bring in more money. There is also planning consent for a hotel. The bowl being designed and developed is for 30,000. There is also planning consent for 60,000.”

So where does this leave us? Well pretty much as we were, but safe in the knowledge that Cardiff Blues will be moving.

Please, be under no illusions, this move WILL go ahead, I am personally of the belief that it already has. In my opinion, everything has been 99% confirmed by the Blues and a ground-share is most definitely on, they are just delaying the announcement until they have made public view higher, and instead of being bad news, that some may swallow, hook, line and sinker.

I am so very, very opposed; I can hardly find the literature to describe it. There are obviously benefits financially, but I am seriously concerned at who these profits go to, i.e. Cardiff RFC Ltd., Cardiff Athletic Club or direct to Peter Thomas.

Of course things will begin to leak in coming weeks, such as the future of the Arms Park land, where the Cardiff RFC premier league side will play, just how much the Blues are paying in rent etc. Oh and finally, be prepared to play at ‘The Redrow Stadium’ as sponsorship takes control, and sport loses all meaning.

I fear the worst. My beloved rugby club is slipping away before my own eyes, and there is nothing I can do.

So this is the future, bleak, cold, soulless. No club, no personality, no ethics. Just business.

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