Rhyl FC set to go out of existence after 141 years

Rhyl Football Club Bellevue Limited announced that it has initiated the formal winding up of the company after failing to find substantial financial investment of around £175,000.

A statement posted on the club’s official website read: “The difficult decision was taken by the board of directors after considering the financial impact of the suspension of all football activities due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, the unwillingness of the ground’s owner to consider either a long lease or sale on market terms and the ongoing fixed costs with no income prospects.

“Since the club made the request for investment/sponsorship, five approaches of varying statures have been received.

“Due diligence eliminated three of the enquiries and a further offer was withdrawn following the confirmation of the status of ownership of the ground. An additional tentative enquiry was made and subsequently withdrawn.

“In NO instance was any specific financial proposal made by any of these parties.

“The need to explore all these options and the delicate nature of discussions required an extension of time to be offered. Following the exhaustion of these options the directors were left with the current position.”

McGuinness feels that having no football club in Rhyl will leave a gaping hole in the community, and left the now Flint Town United boss to reflect on his formative years watching the Lilywhites.

“It’s a massive shame this has happened,” said McGuinness. “It’s a huge football club with a huge history and it’s a shame it’s come to this.”

McGuinness started watching the Lilywhites on a regular basis with his dad, Laurie, a coach under hugely successful manager John Hulse.

Hulse and McGuinness Snr combined to help the Lilywhites win two Welsh Cups and the Welsh Premier League title, amongst other silverware.

“I went home and away when they won the league and the Welsh Cup,” said McGuinness. “Growing up I spent plenty of time there watching the team.”

It was a team that McGuinness was soon to become manager of, taking the reins of the Lilywhites at just 24 years of age.

“I was coaching from 18 or 19 and working with the academy,” continued McGuinness. “It was unexpected to be asked to take over after Gareth Owen left.

“I was asked to see out the season and I took the opportunity, picking up seven or eight points from seven games.

“I was then offered the chance to manage the first-team on a permanent basis. I was thinking that I’d be ready at about 28 or 29, but I took the chance.”

McGuinness still lives in Rhyl and believes that the loss of the football club from the community is hugely disappointing.

“It will be more for the older generation, who have been going to watch Rhyl for years,” said McGuinness. “Times have been tough for a few years, it’s not been where it was for a while, but there are people who live and breathe Rhyl Football Club.

“Like any football club, it’s an important part of the community. Thankfully, people will still have the memories of the good times.”

The statement issued on the club’s official website laid bare the £24,000 needed for Rhyl to pay the lease, which still had four years to run, on Belle Vue.

Attempts to come to an arrangement with the landlord fell on deaf ears, while the Football Association of Wales indicated that a ‘small loan’ may be possible, but that they were not in a position to support he club outright.

Chairman Paul Higginson said: “‘This is a very emotional day for everyone connected with the club - the volunteers, supporters, players, coaching staff and all the officers of the club.

“We are all fans and feel it deeply. That said the town has a very proud footballing history and a very determined character and, as in 1992, I have no doubt that a very strong new club will rise from this low.”

Lee Trundle, who had one season at Rhyl, making an impact that earned him a move to Wrexham, tweeted his sympathy at the new, writing: “Great club, so sad to see it in this situation.”

Journalists Henry Winter and Daniel Taylor also commented on the news, the duo believing that more clubs could follow suit in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Winter wrote: “Very sad news. Clubs a vital part of the community. Sadly, won’t be the last during the pandemic”, with Taylor commenting: “Sadly don’t think this is going to be the last time we see this kind of statement in coming weeks and months.”

Connah’s Quay Nomads’ director of football Jay Catton added: “Horrible news this evening for Welsh football. @rhylfc one of the most historic and iconic clubs of the country. Huge amount of good people through out. Great memories of Belle Vue both in league, cup and European action. Feel sorry for all involved at the club and fans. #rhylfc.”