Fans bring the feelgood factor
THE men who masterminded Wales’ footballing success were given a grilling by pupils during a visit to Anglesey last week.
National team manager Chris Coleman and his assistant, Osian Roberts, were guests at Ysgol David Hughes in Menai Bridge, where lucky pupils were handed a chance to quiz the duo as they prepare for Wales’ first finals tournament in more than 50 years.
For Osian Roberts it was a homecoming, with the decorated coach making a return to the island on which he grew up , also later spending 15 years as Môn’s Football Development Officer.
As a thank you, the school presented them with a special cake, wishing the team well in advance of this summer’s Euro 2016 finals in France.
Later on Friday, the duo popped over the bridge to Bangor to open the new offices of property company Williams & Goodwin in the city, as well as to present Llanfairpwll’s under14s team with their new kits, sponsored by the Property People.
A sportsman’s evening was later held by the Ynys Môn Island Games football squad at the Carreg Bran Hotel in Llanfairpwll, which also featured the former BBC commentator and the Football Association of Wales’ communications guru, Ian Gwyn Hughes.
An auction of memorabilia raised another £2,000 for the football squad as they target £10,000 in a bid to send teams to next year’s games in the Swedish island of Gotland. Plans are also underway to host the football portion of the 2019 games.
With all 160 tickets sold in a matter of hours, Coleman paid tribute to the loyal supporters who have followed the national side through thick and thin.
Speaking to the Mail, he said: “Osh and myself have been in France for a few days looking at the facilities and doing our homework to ensure that everything is in place for the tournament in June.
“This isn’t my first time on Anglesey but the support has been phenomenal.”
Osian Roberts, who grew up in Bodffordd, said it was nice to catch up with familiar faces, adding: “I remember when I used to coach the Island Games squad that we used to bring guest speakers to raise money to send the teams to play.
“We brought in names such as Dominic Matteo and Nobby Stiles and know how much work goes into arranging nights like this.
“The football fans on Anglesey are as passionate as they have always been, the excitement is clear for all to see. There’s a real feel good factor.”