Although I see myself as an FOD i wish to stay anonymous for this post (not something i do regularly).
You seem to have written a very reasoned arguement on a subject I am very worried about. As FODs we all need to look at what we are fighting for and re-focus our attention. The Friends of the Devils will continue until we remove the management. WE WILL WIN. (however I have heard conflicting stories on the "booing" in Swindon and don't believe such allegations as of yet).
However I'm afraid the split between Cardiff fans is the factor which dissappoints me most. It is very sad that this situation has split Cardiff hockey fans. As you say it will never be the case where we have "united" hockey again.
Let's look at the facts.
1) The current situation wouldn't be here if Mr Phillips had either paid the players and treated them properly, or handed the lease back to the council after last season.
2) The majority of hockey fans refuse to watch ice hockey under the current management. only a minority have chosen to support the "team" - most of these are family and friends of the players.
3) Hockey is (and always has been in this country) and friendly and family sport. Hopefully even though there are feuds the general concensus would be to keep it this way. I'm sure FODs will not want anymore confrontation during this and following seasons.
If and when the current management has left, hopefully people will see the light and follow Cardiff hockey at whatever level it is played at. Maybe at that stage we'll have a crowd which is there to appreciate the game rather than being bothered by each other.
Otherwise people will stop attending for reasons that it is no longer seen as a "family" sport. I don't believe it will come to this, such is the majority and commitment that the FOD have shown.
As for players wanting to come back - that is a very difficult situation. Such an event would have to be covered as an when it occurs. IMO I believe the players have been so good to the club over the off season they all deserve to return.
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