FEATURE: The Renaissance of Rhyl Football

Welsh side CPD y Rhyl 1879 have just begun playing the first matches in their history. 

With the year '1879' as part of their official club name, this may seem somewhat confusing. 

However, the club have only existed for little over a year after Rhyl F.C. were forced to dissolve in April 2020 due to financial problems.

Their managing director Adam Roche said: "When the old club went out of business, we thought that was that.

"However, there was a demand from the fans, it was great that they wanted us to set up another club.

"So we then, alongside the supporters, set up CPD y Rhyl 1879."

The club picked up where the old one left and had the first big task of reclaiming the lease on the ground Belle Vue, their home of 128 years, with the view to one day being able to prise it away from private ownership.

A lifelong resident of Rhyl and managing director of the dissolved side, Adam Roche couldn't let the club's proud history end.

"Once we started negotiating the lease with the landlord," said Roche.

"One of the things that we wanted to do in our plan was to acquire the ground back for the town of Rhyl.

"So once we got that agreed with the landlord, provided we meet the asking price, then it was quite a big celebration for those involved."

A two-year lease was secured on April 30 and the Lilywhites have finally been able to start playing friendly matches, with an 11-2 demolition of Rhuddlan Town on 29 May taking place behind closed doors in the first match back at the old ground. 

"We need to get promoted fairly quickly," admitted Roche.

"So we're really excited for the team that's going to be playing to get back to where we were, in the old club in tier 2, and then to challenge to get into tier 1 and the Premier League."

There is a proud footballing legacy in this town in North Wales with the former side racking up two Welsh Premier League titles and four Welsh Cups in their 141-year history. 

It is a legacy Roche and his team are keen to keep alive and hopefully add more honours to in the near future.