Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has applauded efforts being made to establish a new football club in Rhyl and has contacted Ministers in both the UK and Welsh Governments in a bid to “drum up all support possible” for the exciting plans.
The future of Rhyl FC was left in severe doubt when it recently announced it was winding up proceedings due to funding difficulties, but plans are now officially underway for the establishment of a new ‘phoenix’ football club in the town.
James, who reached out to the Board of Directors at Rhyl FC following news of the liquidation, in a bid to help the club find a way forward, is delighted that plans for a new club are progressing well and has written to the Welsh Government Minister responsible for community sport, physical activity and active recreation in Wales, and spoken with the UK Government Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston MP, urging them to support the efforts. He has also discussed the situation with the landlord of the Belle Vue grounds.
He said:
“I am absolutely delighted that there now seems to be a definite way forward, but there is still some way to go and it is vital that we drum up all support possible for the venture.
"I recently had a useful conversation with the UK Government Minister for Sport regarding the plight of the club and to seek any useful advice which may help the cause.
“With sport being a devolved matter, I’ve also since written to the Minister responsible for Sport in Wales, Eluned Morgan AM, highlighting the club’s long history and its many successes over the years, and requesting her assistance to help the club get back on their feet.”
James’s letter to the Minister includes:
“The Club has been central to the community of Rhyl for 141 years and have had some fantastic successes during that time. They have been four times winners of the Welsh Cup, plus Welsh Premier League Champions in 2004 and 2009, earning them a Champions League qualification spot.
“The ‘Lilywhites’ have helped put Rhyl on the map and attract crowds to the town and their ‘Belle Vue’ grounds are an important hub for local children and young people.”
James added:
“I would like to thank Tom Jamieson and Adam Roche, who are leading the plans for the new club, for their commitment to the cause and I look forward to working with them, and the board of the Rhyl Fans Association, as they move forward with the plans for a new club.”
