Soccer:Cardiff has confirmed the Bluebirds will now play in red after the club's Malaysian owners formally unveiled a new image for the Welsh side.

The switch — which also includes a new club crest and takes effect immediately – comes after the club’s hierarchy approved the decision at a board meeting. Cardiff has unveiled three new strips, a red home shirt, a blue away strip and a third kit, which is mainly black.

All new kits bear a redesigned badge, incorporating a main image of a dragon, with a small bluebird inserted underneath, and carrying the slogan “Fire and Passion.”

In addition to the new kit, the club have announced plans to build a brand-new training ground, pay off the historical Langston debt, provide manager Malky Mackay with a substantial transfer kitty, and explore the possibility of expanding the Cardiff City Stadium.

Cardiff chief executive Alan Whiteley said: “This is a major and significant financial commitment and we are grateful to our investors for their continued confidence in this football club.

“Concerning the commitment to developing the crest and to switch our primary colour to red, as directors — and as fans in our own right — we recognise that there is a history and commitment that goes with supporting Cardiff City and we are conscious and proud of the loyalty, bond and passion so many share for this club.

“At the same time, we also have to be prepared to be realistic and progressive. Sometimes in difficult economic times and challenging market conditions, in order to attract investment to survive and progress, brave, bold and compelling decisions and sacrifices need to be taken and made. By securing this investment we can safeguard the immediate and long-term future of this club.

“As a board, we believe these changes, in the light of the benefits that will be demonstrably delivered, have been or will be accepted by the vast majority of supporters as judged in the light of the numerous emails and letters of support.

“We are only too aware that the change of colour is a radical and some would say revolutionary move which will be met with unease and apprehension by a number of supporters, along with being seen as controversial by many. To those I would like to say that this was not a decision that has been taken lightly or without a great deal of thought and debate.

“However, the changes are believed to be vital to enable the club to progress to the next stage in its development and very much in the club’s best long term interests. “Judged in the context of the overall commitment and financial support, we believe it is the right decision for this club and where it currently stands.

“We hope that all supporters will appreciate these sentiments and will embrace the changes in that spirit and continue to support the club in the same loyal and passionate manner as before but hopefully with some greater feeling of security.”