Ridsdale resigned as Barnsley chairman last December

Peter Ridsdale, the former Leeds United chairman, has joined Cardiff on a three-month contract as the club fights for its future with debts of �30m.

And he told BBC Wales Sport: "We've got to make sure the stadium project starts as soon as possible.

"There is no reason why Cardiff have to resort to administration."

Cardiff's desperate financial plight has been blamed on delays to the construction of a new 30,000-seater stadium and accompanying retail park.

Owner Sam Hammam has been working on the project for the past three years, but its completion now seems as far away as ever.

Stadium plan hit by fresh setback

Fresh doubts have been cast over the whole project this when a store named by developers for the retail park declared it had no intended of moving to the site.

But Ridsdale, who was on Leeds United's board for 17 years, is adamant the dark clouds above Ninian Park will soon be blown away.

"I've been very impressed with the people I've met at Cardiff," he said.

"What we've got to make sure is that Cardiff City has an overhead structure it can afford.

"We're coming to the end of the season; that gives us an opportunity to see what Cardiff can afford for next season.

"We'll sit down and plan and make sure that Cardiff is in a viable position."

He added: "Sam [Hammam] believes his dream can be realised. I wouldn't be coming to help if I didn't believe in what he's telling me.

"As far as I'm concerned there is no reason whatsoever why Cardiff fans won't be enjoying watching very good football in a beautiful new stadium."

Ridsdale refused to be drawn on how much he was being paid for helping his "old friend" Hammam.