Money talks... how Cardiff's wage bill compares to rivals

WHICHEVER way you look at it, relegation to League One is nothing short of disastrous for Cardiff City.

- TOM COLEMAN

After circling the drain for the last few weeks, or years, really, the Bluebirds' fate was finally confirmed by the 0-0 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion, a result that also leaves them bottom of the table heading into the final weekend of the season.

Supporters have reacted with a mixture of dismay and anger at watching their side slip out of the second tier for the first time in 22 years, with owner Vincent Tan bearing the brunt of the criticism.

Tan finally broke his silence by releasing a statement to fans on Tuesday, in which he dismissed accusations he didn't care about the club, while also pledging to carry out a full review of "several structures and practices".

Answers are clearly needed, as many will be wondering just how on earth Cardiff ended up in this situation.

Finances certainly don't seem to be the main issue.

Indeed, Cardiff, when it comes to the amount spent on wages, at least, have actually been pretty competitive.

According to figures gathered by Football Industry website Capology. com, Cardiff's annual wage bill currently stands at £20.91m.

That's the seventh-highest in the Championship, and well ahead of all their relegation rivals, ex-Premier League outfit Luton Town (£23.6m) aside.