MY TRIP INTO THE GREAT CYMRU PREMIER
NLP contributor Michael Grimes explains what inspired him to write about his adventures watching the JD Cymru Premier League – and how the journey became a book, Saints to Druids: A Discovery of Welsh Football
THE question most asked when I meet people is why? I’m not Welsh, have no relatives there and hadn’t even been to a Welsh League match prior to my adventures. I’m actually a West Ham fan from London who had just completed the 92 club grounds of England. I knew nothing about Welsh football apart from the obvious.
It started off when I was writing for a magazine and a lack of articles about Welsh football clubs.With only 12 in the Welsh top flight, I decided I may as well write about them all!
The adventure started on Friday, August 16 with a trip to Airbus UK Broughton, tucked inside the Welsh border near Chester. I finish work at 11.15am and head to Marylebone for the trip to Birmingham – cheaper than the mainline Virgin route – being only £6.40 single. At New Street I wait for the train to Chester, rain coming down on the already bleak platform. After a delay I eventually get to Broughton, pronounced ‘Brawton’ – don’t mispronounce it otherwise the bus drivers give you a funny look!
Still raining, I reach the ‘shops’ – as the modern retail park is known – and over the car park is a big fence, a collection of 3G pitches. My destination: Airbus UK Broughton.
At the one turnstile, I’m told not to go down the path towards the aircraft factory, the club belonging to Airbus UK, or security guards will not be friendly!
Thus, my first introduction to Welsh league football and the start of my adventures. I’ve been pleased it has good reviews – and even an award from The Welsh Place Names Society for its accuracy!
Available from www. dognduck.net or michael@ inspiredwizards.com