ALL OVER FOR RHYL BUT CLUB SAY ‘WE’LL BE BACK’

RHYL FC will be back! That is the defiant message from die-hard followers of the Welsh town’s famous football club following the shattering news this week that the board of directors have formally begun winding up proceedings.

It comes after failing to secure the investment – to the tune of £175,000 – required to keep the club going and meet fixed outgoings until May 2021.

At the same time, the club’s failed attempts to reach a deal to either buy their Belle Vue ground outright from owner David Butters – or secure a longer lease – have been a major stumbling block.

The announcement appears to abruptly end the proud 141-year history of the two-time former Welsh champions who, a decade ago, were competing in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League. Most recently, the club had been plying their trade in the second tier of Welsh football.

“We tried everything,” managing director Adam Roche told The NLP.

“We had five investment enquiries but, when asked for details of accounts and references, all faded away.

“I’ve been to the Welsh FA asking for support, there’s been no local council or MP support, nothing. Now it’s just too late.”

Roche, however, though hopes they will rise from the ashes with he and other club directors keen to work with the Rhyl Fans Association (RFA) – only formed last month – as supporters plot a way back, with a phoenix club already being muted as one possibility.

“Rhyl will be back because the history doesn’t go anywhere – and all of us involved with the club are fans ourselves,” added Roche. “But in the current guise that’s going to take time. The club, at least, will have to drop down a couple of levels and would have to find a place to play.

“My suggestion to the Fans Association will be that you get one chance to start up a new club and do it right and that you’ve got a very good opportunity and, if you want some experience and expertise, then there are people around that’ll help.

“It would be then up to them to decide if they want support from people who have helped keep the club alive under very difficult circumstances. If not, and they want to go it alone, then that’s fine – I’ll be the first one through the turnstile at the first game!”