Reg still supports City 80 years on
CARDIFF City fan Reg Walton fell in love with the Bluebirds when he received free tickets as a Lansdowne Road School pupil in the 1930s.
Now, some 80 years later, Reg Walton has recalled his love of the club from pre-war days, to the time he was on the books at Ninian Park, to the moment the club left for its new home.
Reg Walton, 95, has been a stalwart at Ninian Park and the Cardiff City Stadium come rain or shine.
Speaking about his childhood memories of the club, the father of four said: “I started going down there as we were given free tickets if you played for your school team, and every school in Cardiff got that.
“I was 10 years old and I was able to go see Cardiff FC for free, something you wouldn’t be able to do now.”
Reg started playing for Cardiff Corinthians FC up until WWII as a winghalf, but after the war he had the chance of a lifetime when his friend and City defender Ken Hollyman asked him to join the club.
Reg, of Pentwyn, said: “Ken called in to see me one day and he said ‘come down the City with me’ and that was that.
“I never made the first team because Ken was in my position but it was great and they played some good football in those days.
“I used to get a couple of bob on the side and it was great fun going out and having a few drinks together.
“When Cyril Spiers came there one day as manager, he told everyone over 21 on Cardiff’s books they weren’t needed any more so I went back to play for the Corinthians and I captained them for years and years.”
The grandfather shared his love of the Bluebirds with his family and his late wife Sheila attended matches with him.
Now he goes with his daughter, sonin-law and granddaughter, and he loves it more than ever.
Reg said: “Football is my life really and I love supporting Cardiff City.
“My highlight has to be promotion to the Premiership a few years ago. It was a massive feeling of pride.
“My favourite player was a winger called Reggie Pugh who played in the 1930s, he was outstanding and I have never forgot the man since.”
When City moved from its home of 99 years at Ninian Park to the Cardiff City Stadium, Reg said he didn’t feel sad but a part of a great new era for the club.
He said: “It was so exciting to go down there for the first match and everything down there is spot on.
“I love the manager we have got now and he is doing a great job.
“He knows how to speak to the players and they know how to speak to him.
“I think they can make the top six of the Championship this year but I can’t see them winning it for some reason or other but I think they can get to the play-offs.”