FORMER POLICE CHIEF VOWS THERE WILL BE NO COVER-UP

THE former police chief central to the investigation into allegations of bullying against Cardiff City coach Craig Bellamy has promised concerned parents there won’t be a cover-up. Rob Cronick, a former detective chief inspector with South Wales Police, has been given the task of gathering evidence by club chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo after claims were made by two players against the Under-18s boss. However, the parents of former academy player Alfie Madden told Sportsmail this week that a climate of fear existed around Bellamy and they were afraid allegations would be ‘swept under the carpet’. Cronick is the club’s head of safeguarding and also coaches academy goalkeepers aged between 12 and 16, leading to concerns over a conflict of interest. But, speaking exclusively to Sportsmail, he has moved to reassure anyone worried about the integrity of the probe. ‘The chairman has taken this with utter seriousness, it is a serious investigation,’ said Cronick, who served with the police for 23 years in homicide and major crime. ‘If you look at my history you will understand where my integrity lies. This is about doing things properly. That has always been my mantra and that is how this will be dealt with. ‘It will be professional and effective, a full investigation with integrity to get to the hub of this and what we need to do moving forward. There will be no compromise. ‘This will be a professional investigation into a high-profile individual. There is nothing for anyone to be worried about.’ Cronick has arranged meetings with the Madden family and also with the family of the player currently contracted to the club who has brought allegations of bullying and xenophobic behaviour.