Merger Beginning to Unravel

By Lestyn
January 14 2004

The merger no supporter wants is looking more and more doomed, with opposition from significant factions in either region.

Celtic Warriors chief Derrick King has claimed his region would not go into any “partnership” that saw them losing their identity;

"We would not be prepared to consider talks if the Cardiff name was to be used instead of Celtic Warriors," said Warriors director Derrick King. 

"So if we got stuck on that point it would be a non-starter anyway."

Also Cardiff athletic Club, who own the largest share in the Blues showed their opposition to the merger;

"I am able to assure all concerned supporters that as far as CAC is concerned, the merger will not happen," said CAC vice-chairman David Herbert.

Importantly the CAC own the Arms Park. One of the main reasons for Leighton Samuels interest is the grounds 14,000 capacity, which at the moment the Brewery ground is well short of. The use of the Arms Park would save the benefactor having to raise funds for a possible new stadium possibly in Treforest.

With no Cardiff name for Thomas, or ground for Samuel, there would be little point for either to pursue the merger.

Subsequently the CAC so distraught at Thomas, have launched their own bid to take the Blues regional franchise away from the current board, possibly aided by current director John Smart, with central contracts looking like a sweetener for Moffett and the WRU.

It is no longer a case of infighting between Bridgend and Pontypridd; both are united in their fight to keep the Warriors away from the Blues. Also this Saturday Cardiff would have been looking at a crowd around the 4,000 mark for their Heineken cup game with Biarritz, but after the added spice of the merger a figure closer to the ten thousand mark is expected.

Ironically this merger talk may have been just what both needed to inject some life into regions that had admittedly gone stale , even if the merger is not what is needed.