Unlikely hero: How Vincent Tan's mother helped Cardiff fans back into blue
Nick Hartley
Former Sports Correspondent, ITV Wales
When Cardiff City fans were looking for a way back to blue they consulted many people and exercised many tactics, but they found a saviour in an unlikely hero – Vincent Tan’s mother.
The elderly devout Buddhist may not be the club’s biggest fan but, believe it or not, she has spent time on the terraces at the Cardiff City Stadium – and she liked what she saw.
So much so in fact that billionaire Tan turned to her for her sage words of advice when he realised just what a mess he had on his hands: fans staying away, a team in free-fall and a red re-branding that was just, well, not working.
Madam Low Siew Beng had clear advice for her son.
Togetherness, unity and happiness were traits she said needed to be returned.
A return to blue followed.
Now, whether Tan himself would have logically come to the same conclusion in time is a moot point.
What is clear is that in Madam Low Siew Beng Cardiff City supporters finally found the one thing no amount of protesting and complaining could do – tap into Tan’s emotional psyche.
Upon his return to work he offered the olive branch that brought together bickering supporters and embattled club officials to talk it all over.
The feedback from Thursday night’s meeting was perhaps the most positive assessment of both parties that the each side could have hoped for.“A credit to themselves’ said one club official of fans.
‘They want to listen to us’ said supporters.
The ensuing offers of an immediate return to blue, a redesign of the club badge to encompass a prominent bluebird logo, an offer of reduced season tickets and a promise of mass turnouts for games has seemingly ended the conflict that has permeated Cardiff City for far too long.
“My mother, Madam Low Siew Beng, a devout Buddhist, who attended Cardiff City Football Club to watch them play, spoke to me on the importance of togetherness, unity and happiness.” Tan said.
And unity, togetherness and happiness they have.
Well, for now anyway.