Dalman expects Cardiff City to make January signings
Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman says the club is ready to reshape its squad in the January transfer window to avoid the prospect of relegation to League One.
In a message to supporters published on Cardiff's website, Dalman says board members appreciate they are in a relegation battle and their short-term aim is staying in the Championship.
Dalman says that owner Vincent Tan remains committed to returning the club to the Premier League and will continue to finance their recruitment.
"We are in a relegation battle, let's be clear about that; the focus is now on winning that battle," he wrote.
"The priority becomes about a shorter-term strategy and that clearly is retaining our Championship status. The January window is an opportunity for us to fix some of the problems we have on the pitch, plus there are other things we may be able to do, discussions of which are ongoing."
Dalman's open letter to supporters comes after Cardiff City fans wrote a highly critical open letter to the board raising "serious concerns" about the state of the Championship club.
Chairman Dalman, executive director and chief executive officer Ken Choo and non-executive director Steve Borley met members of the club's Supporters' Trust last week amid growing anger from fans with how the club is operating.
The Bluebirds are currently 23rd in the Championship, albeit only a point from safety.
Dalman says Cardiff expect to be busy this month with permanent signings, loan signings and departures all likely.
"In respect of the January transfer window and potential ins and outs, I can assure supporters that Vincent (Tan, owner) is looking to be as supportive as possible within our structure," he said.
"We'll see some loan deals, as the January window often lends itself to these with it being a seller's market, but I expect some permanent transfers to give us options and more quality, too. We'll see some younger players leave on loan and others, permanently."
Tan remains committed to Bluebirds
Dalman reiterated the commitment of owner Tan, who continues to bankroll the club.
"Vincent remains wholeheartedly committed to Cardiff City Football Club. He is determined to get us back to the Premier League. Our day-to-day dialogue with the owner is extremely healthy and united for the same common cause: the betterment of Cardiff City," Dalman wrote.
"The board's responsibility is to manage the gap between income and cost, calling up on the shareholder to meet the demands of the difference. Putting it plainly: Vincent Tan must bridge that gap."
Cardiff's fan groups have called for the club to create a director of football role, but Dalman says the role is not essential.
"One issue that is regularly put to me is whether we have the need for a director of football. I've always been open in dialogue in saying that greater football expertise on the board and in management, would be valuable, but that's not to say imperative," Dalman added.
"Over the last few years our recruitment team has grown and provides good support to the management and the manager in shaping the team. Operations management is extremely stable and efficient. The question of director of football will continue to be discussed amongst the board and with the owner."
Cardiff hope of return to Europe
Dalman confirmed Cardiff have backed plans to give Wales' EFL clubs the chance to compete for European qualification via a Welsh cup competition.
As clubs in the English pyramid, Newport, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham are only able to qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup as it stands.
But talks are ongoing about the quartet entering the Welsh League Cup - currently known as the Nathaniel MG Cup - for a chance to represent Wales in the Europa Conference League.
The plans have been presented to England's Football Association (FA), Uefa, the Premier League and clubs in the Cymru Premier.
Should the plans come to fruition, Wales' EFL sides would sacrifice their ability to qualify for Europe via English competitions.
But the four clubs do not want to do anything which would compromise their places in the English system and have sought assurances from the FA.
Dalman says Cardiff are confident those assurances will be forthcoming.
"Following discussion at length with Ken Choo and Steve Borley on this matter, I can say that Cardiff, Wrexham, Swansea and Newport County have signed up to an agreement to help the Welsh football pyramid by hopefully improving the Uefa co-efficient of Welsh clubs," he added.
"The club is confident that any participation in this trial would not affect our EFL status for there is no mechanism for Championship stakeholder status to be removed; this only happens upon relegation, promotion or going out of business.
"We are not concerned about fixture congestion, recognising that both Wigan Athletic and Millwall have recently competed in both European and Championship competitions in recent years.
"The proposal is that money earned will be shared with all clubs and that an element will benefit grassroots football within Wales. Further clarifications will be sought, and updates given thereafter."
