Rodney Berman says Sam Hammam is 'upbeat'

Council leader Rodney Berman said there was "clear resolve" to deliver the �100m stadium.

Club owner Sam Hammam and chief executive David Temme met the council to discuss delays to the project.

The club, which has a �30m debt, was forced to sell a player last week and staff were not paid on time.

Mr Berman, in a statement after Tuesday's meeting, said: "We are in constant talks with all parties concerned and have just had a positive and constructive meeting with Sam Hammam and representatives from Cardiff City, where we outlined our commitment to the club and its future."

He added that the council was working to help find a way forward to "make sure the last pieces of the jigsaw are being slotted into place".

Ex-Lord Mayor Russell Goodway earlier that that the developer should be given a deadline to increase the pace of the project.

The building of a new 30,000-seater stadium is key to the club's future, with the Ninian Park ground redeveloped for housing.

But the start of the work on the �100m project, which includes an adjoining retail park, has been delayed.

The council last week blamed legal delays relating to the issue of planning consent between the retail developers Capital and Regional and their tenants.

Mr Berman told BBC Wales that Mr Hammam was "confident" and "upbeat" about the future of the club and was happy with the support from the council.

The stadium was due to open in 2006

The club was meeting with Capital and Regional on Wednesday and the "key was getting the stadium deal sewn up once and for all."

Former council leader Mr Goodway told BBC Wales before the meeting that he was "surprised but not shocked at recent developments".

'Personally shattered'

He said: "The council needs to call on Sam Hammam and call on the developer, and say we are partners in this, we're not a referee or on the sidelines, we're playing centre back on this project, we want to make sure it gets under way because it's crucial to the future of the city."

Club captain Graham Kavanagh was sold for �400,000 at the end of last week to ease financial pressure.

Mr Hammam said last weekend that he felt "kippered" and like a "buffoon" but was confident the club would get through its difficulties.

Vince Alm, of Cardiff City Supporters' Club said despite mistakes he still firmly believed in Mr Hammam.