Cardiff City Shock As Malaysian Tour Cancelled

Cardiff City fans have been hit with the news that the much anticipated pre-season tour to Malaysia has been cancelled, without warning or seemingly good reason. Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins had the following to say to the SW Echo:

"Following Dave Jones` fact-finding trip to Malaysia and a review of the logistics involved, the club has decided to look at alternative options. Therefore it is probable we will not be going to Malaysia."

There are two schools of thought available here. Perhaps Dave Jones was concerned about the 'logistics` i.e. level of training facilities, standard of opposition, travel burdens etc but you`d think those things would be looked at prior to the public announcement of a trip? Would it represent a slap-in-the-face to the Malaysians to so openly reject an open invitation to their country?

Alternatively, and perhaps more likely is that money issues are behind the decision. Whilst it would surely create more media attention/buzz to have the Bluebirds tour the Far East and face the Malaysian National side, there are a number of additional costs and we may not be able to get all the right pieces in place in time.

This is a disappointment for the fans, and hints of unseen issues behind the scenes at the club. Some fans had apparently booked flights to Malaysia, and they will be rightly angry. More worryingly is the lack of honesty at the official level. I don`t think anyone will believe a 2 line bite about 'logistical problems` - that simply stinks of Peter Ridsdale and is exactly what we did NOT want from the new management.

The squad will likely head to Portugla for a pre-season camp, as in previous seasons of Dave Jones' tenure.

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