Hammam: 'I will die for Cardiff Celts'

Sam Hammam believes Bluebirds could be a major football force as the Celts

Sam Hammam has re-affirmed his desire to get the whole of Wales behind his take-over plans for Cardiff City.

Hammam was speaking exclusively to BBC Radio Wales Sportstime from New York and was still determined his plans for a name-change and change of strip would go ahead.

A passionate Hammam said, " I feel so strongly, I am in completely, I am in with all my heart and I promise you, I will die trying to go under this red dragon, this Celtic thing."

The proposed changes had caused concern in some quarters, but Hammam sought to allay fears, saying, "Cardiff will always play in Cardiff, but if you dream to compete with the big clubs we need the whole country behind us."

I feel so strongly, I promise you, I will die trying to go under this red dragon, this Celtic thing

  Sam Hammam

"I appeal to the fans to reach to the extremities of the Welsh nation and get behind us," he said.

"If it is just Cardiff City, we might be as big as Bristol City or West Bromwich Albion, but if it is a Wales thing, we can reach the highest heights."

Hammam was concerned some fans thought he would be an end to all of Cardiff's problems.

"I am worried some people think I am a miracle worker, but I am not. I might make decisions and the club will end up in non-league football," he said.

If Cardiff City is a Wales thing, we can reach the highest heights

  Sam Hammam

"Sucked in"

He was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the Cardiff fans saying, "I want to say something in a nice way. Your supporters are such bastards, they have really swept me off my feet, I have been sucked in."

"I am now anxious to meet with the fans and discuss my way for the future," he said.

It was confirmed on Friday the take-over deal had been accepted and Hammam said, "I hope to sign by the middle of next week and have an immediate start to the period of due diligence."

Hammam swept aside criticism levelled at the present Cardiff board, that they had dragged their feet on the take-over issue.

"They had a full right to protect certain interests and they behaved properly throughout," he said.

Fans' reaction

Supporters had planned a march to show their support for Hammam, after rumours the present board were stalling the deal.

But the demonstration was called off as fans gathered in the Landsdowne pub to listen to Hammam on the radio.

Reacting to Hammam's passionate statement, Cardiff City supporter Julian Jenkins said, "the fans are behind Mr Hammam, because he has achieved it before. No one is under any illusion - we have to work together and it will take time.

"We are not looking for him to wave a magic wand."