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Cardiff's Malaysian owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan maintains that a change of crest and colours were necessary to help develop the club as he breaks his silence over the issue.

The decision to change City's home kit colour to red and change the badge to a red dragon has divided fans, with some seeing it as a necessary evil for success.

Tan has again pledged to invest £100million into the Bluebirds and also outlined the club's need to expand its appeal if they are to gain promotion to the Premier League and go on to become a long-term member.

In a statement on the club's official website, Tan said: "Following discussions with the club's board of directors we believe it is now the opportune time for the next evolutionary phase, one which while potentially unpalatable for some due to our modifications to club colours, can also be exciting for the majority who want to see long term success, stability and prosperity attributed to Cardiff City Football Club.

"Looking further than the field of play, for Cardiff City to enjoy local success, international markets have to be explored to support the club financially. Doing so I firmly believe gives the club the best opportunity for ensuring its economic stability for the short term, and can also unlock further potential to see the club best maintain top-flight status should promotion be secured in the coming years.

"I appreciate that a part of this strategy, namely the decision for the change of primary colour from blue to red is extremely emotional and for some quarters remains difficult to understand. For all concerned I would like to emphasise that I hold no desire to trample on club history or heritage and would be saddened if supporters thought that this was my intention."