Stadium work 'to start in May'

Cardiff had hoped construction on the £100m development would begin in May, but they have now announced that no work will be possible before July.

A statement on the club's website said: "The Club are disappointed that work may not begin until July/August 2005."

Cardiff expect the 30,000-seater stadium and adjoining retail park at Leckwith to take 18 months to complete once construction work has begun.

The statement added: "The club is reviewing certain aspects of its operations and development requirements due to expected delays to the previously announced May date for commencing construction."

Cardiff City council expressed its disappointment at the latest delays.

My chief worry is the financial constraints we're under at the moment Vince Alm of Cardiff City Supporters' Club

"The council is aware of legal delays relating to the issue of planning consent," said a council statement.

"These have taken longer to finalise than anticipated. The council is not aware of an impediment that would prevent the agreements from being concluded.

"We are not directly involved in the process, which is between the retail developers Capital and Regionl and their tenants."

Despite admitting to financial difficulties, chairman Sam Hammam has assured fans that the club will not be forced into administration.

But Vince Alm of Cardiff City Supporters' Club said there were increasingly worrying signals coming out of Ninian Park.

"It's got to be a concern. My chief worry is the financial constraints we're under at the moment," he told the BBC. "Sam [Hammam] said before Christmas that finances were tight. We need to get out and support them, we're brilliant at knocking heroes.

"I know Sam and I know how much this is hurting him. He's adamant that [the new stadium] is going to happen and I believe him."