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| Full name | Aberystwyth Town Football Club | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nickname(s) | Seasiders, Black & Greens | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Founded | 1884 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ground | Park Avenue Aberystwyth (Capacity: 5,500 (800 seated)) |
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| Chairman |  Tony Bates |
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| Manager |  Brian Coyne |
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| League | Welsh Premier League | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-08 | Welsh Premier League, 9th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aberystwyth Town F.C. is a football team, playing in the Welsh Premier League.
The club was founded in 1884, and plays at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, where their ground accommodates 5500 spectators (1000 seated).
The team's first choice strip is green shirts with black trim, black shorts and green socks. The second choice strip is white shirts black shorts and white socks.
Early history
The man with a dream, lesser remembered now, and certainly lesser celebrated. Once just a noble Town Clerk, and then all of a sudden the man who turned a town into a Football Club. Son of a wealthy familly from Glynpadarn. Arthur Hughes was born in 1847, the third son of Hugh Hughes and Grandson of John Hughes. His brothers Hugh and Jack scored goals in a game in 1873. The three brothers worked to help form a football club. Jack and Hugh had stuggled to take the club forward in 1876, but younger brother Arthur advertised Aberystwyth FC in the local press on the 3rd/4th October 1884. The advert read as follows: Aberystwyth Football Club. Gentlemen wishing to join the above club are requested to attend a meeting to be held at the Belle Vue Hotel on Saturday, the 4th inst., at 4pm. Members' subscriptions to be paid in advance, 2s. 6d. (12.5p).
The club at the time was only really open to gentlemen (not many people at the time could afford such subscriptions!). The advertisement was to prove a success. A later news report tells us that Mr. Peake was elected as the first ever ATFC Captain. John Hamer was his sub-captain. Mr Bonsall was the club's first secretary. A committee was formed involving numerous people and the arrangement to gain a field via Mr Roberts (Lion Hotel) were in place.
Arthur was educated at Clifton College, Bristol and was admitted as a solicitor becoming a partner in his father's firm eventually. He became clerk to Aberaeron magistrates in 1875, and then to Llanilar magistrates, soon after in 1880 he was appointed Aberystwyth town clerk. He was celebrated as a man of "infinite jest and a capital raconteur." He married Miss Gilbertson and had four sons and a daughter.
Mr Hughes did not just father the club but he was there for thirty years to help raise his creation. Arthur Hughes had to re-awaken interest in the club in 1892, and decided on adding the word association to Aberystwyth Football Club. This spurred massive interest and the new proposed Town FC started. The re-awakening of the club has since see the club carry on successfully throughout peace-time and for over a century now. Arthur Hughes became a patron member of the FAW by FAW election and remained a committee member until 1919, whilst being club chairman from 1884 to around 1913. Arthur Hughes was even nominated as club president from 1886-87. Whilst the club had some financial trouble in several years from 1909 onwards, Arthur Hughes did his utmost to restore balance.
Athur Hughes sadly did not see ATFC's new Smithfield Road ground. His dream gave the club that new home. He devoted his life to the service of the community and performed numerous deeds of kindness and charity. He died in February 1919 at the age of 71.
Aberystwyth Town FC were formed in 1884, although the club probably existed in the 1870s in an earlier incarnation - the re-establishment of a "town" club is recorded in 1876.
Aber's league career has a nomadic flavour, as they have been members of various leagues since they entered the first competition, the Welsh League, in 1896. After only one season they reverted to playing friendly matches. They entered the English FA Cup on a few occasions (even managing to lose 5-0 at Stockport County F.C.) before losing to South Lancashire Regiment 2-0 the following season. The following season marked The Seasiders last entry into the FA Cup with a 7-4 loss hosting Mid-wales rival Newtown. With interest in the club rekindled, they joined the "Combination" but again for only one term, probably because of the expense of travelling.
Alan Grenville Morris was part of the legendary begins of ATFC's long and mixed history. 75 appearances with 111 goals. Came to Aber as a 16 year from Builth Wells, as an apprentice for Green’s foundry. Small in stature, fast paced, brilliant ball control, and described by the local press as “a brilliant of the first water.” Played alongside other Town greats such as Roose, Jack Rea, JF Jones, and Owald James. Morris gained 4 Welsh caps at Aberystwyth Town FC. Starred at Swindon (Southern league), before being sold to Nottingham Forest. Morris’ Notts. Forest career spanned 15 years (five years of which as club captain). Appearances: 450 (with 217 goals). 16 extra Welsh caps attained whilst with forest. Morris scored both goals in a 2-2 draw with Scotland at the first ever international at Ninian Park.
The Athletic News said of him in 1909, “Morris the magnificent is the brains of Nottingham Forest. The way he preserved his form is only exceeded by his innate craft with the ball. It would be worth a journey to see Nottingham to see Morris – but non-one else!” The Old Black And Green says of Morris, “Grenville Morris will share with LR Roose the distinction of being the greatest players ever to don the Black and Green.”
Leigh Richmond Roose spent five years with The Seasiders: Known as Mond to the students at UCW where he joined ATFC from. Debut: 6-0 win over Whitchurch( Shropshire) in October 1895. 1895-1900 appearances: 58 Roose featured in town’s 1-0 FA Cup victory over then professional Glossop North End, diverting a penalty into Buarth hill. Tom Richards recalls the game vividly in Atgofion Cardi, “I saw him play dozens of times afterwards… but never with greater zest and effect than that first time at Vicarage Field.” The dictionary of Welsh Biographies says of LR Roose, “He had been thoroughly grounded in the fundamentals of his art, and gave interpretation to them in the style and manner of a man of genius.” Town eventually lost in the 1897/98 season FA Cup run, to Stockport County at Green Lane within the next round. Other clubs: London Welsh FC, Stoke City, Everton, Sunderland, Glasgow Rangers. One of Aber’s elite 11 who have lifted the Welsh Cup (the final being held at Newtown’s The Cunnings stadium). Roose was quoted by the Cambrian News as, “being quite able to cope with any shot that was sent in.” In the second half, Roose had to stop some tough shots, which he made easy saves from giving hope to the supporters, and annoying the attacking Druids. The Town won 3-0 that day. Roose was lifted onto supporters shoulders. Debuted for Wales in March 1900, and before joining the Druids after the Welsh Cup final. His career as an eminent bacteriologist was cut short in the Great War. Leigh Richmond Roose, killed in action October 1916 in the Battle of the Somme. On his first visit to the trenches the Germans launched a his flamethrower attack and the regimental history records that "Private Leigh Roose who had never visited the trenches before, was in the sap when the flammenwerfer attack began. He managed to get back along the trench and, though nearly choked with fumes with his clothes burnt, refused to go to the dressing station. He continued to throw bombs until his arm gave out, and then, joining the covering party, used his rifle with great effect." For this action Leigh was awarded the Military Medal.
Another defender of note from the early days was Oswald Green. "Oswald Green," reflected the Gazette, "How the name conjures up visions of the past and memories of the halycon days of the Black and Green." 174 games scoring 46 times (ATFC club captain). Killed in action July 1916 in the Battle of the Somme.
Bob Peake and his brother Ernest made their debut in a team called The Barbarians. Appointed vice captain of ATFC in September 1904. Scored hat trick the first time ATFC played in the Welsh Amateur cup against old rival Tywyn, scored another against Shrewbury’s works team Singleton and Coe in a fourth round replay. Scored Seven against Newtown North End in a 12-1 victory during the 1906-07 season, whilst playing on the right wing. Scored another hat trick in a 5-1 victory against Tywyn Rovers during the first game played at Smithfield, the old name for Park Avenue on 19 th October 1907. Had Twelve goals to his name during Three matches in November 1907 proving Park Avenue as “the best pitch in Wales.” Over a Thousand spectators saw him net 5 against a professional Welshpool side during a 8-1 first round victory of the Welsh Cup 1907. Selected for Wales in the first amateur international match against England played at Stockport in February 1908. Despite losing 1-0, Bob Peake was: “the best man on the pitch.”
Early 1900's - Welsh Cup success
The club were firmly on the map in 1900, convincingly beating fancied Druids 3-0 in the Welsh Cup final and becoming the first team from mid-Wales to take the trophy. But this Welsh Cup victory almost proved to be their downfall as they hit a massive financial crisis and a mass exodus of players. Town had scored 7 goals but conceded just 2 on the way to the final beating Rhayader Town, Newtown and Caernarfon Invicta enroute.
1920's - Welsh National League successes
Aber were members of the Montgomeryshire & District League from 1904, winning several championships, and with the advent of the Welsh National League in 1921 joined the Central Section. The club was very successful in the 1920s - achieving six title wins - and took the Mid-Wales League title in 1933 and 1950. Aber won the Welsh Amateur Cup in 1931 and 1933 and were finalists in 1935 and 1972.
1950's onwards: Loyal, Black and Greens
The club began a long stay in the Welsh League (South) in 1951, although they continued to also field a team in the Mid-Wales League, and for a time in the Cambrian Coast League. They eventually returned to mid-Wales competition in 1963. Brian Bevan[2] spent 20 years and 5 months in Black and Green. Officially retired in 1949 from ATFC but was called upon in emergencies. One of only four pre-World War 2 players actively involved in WW2 to complete 100 club appearances. (Appearances: 348 (1951-55: 34 for the reserves) Goals scored: 12; Committee member: 1952-53. Honours: 1938 Wales amateur cap versus England.) Whilst Aber was the North Wales Amateur Cup runners-up in 1940, Ted Bevan received his call-up to the military the day before the final. A fine example of what could have been but never was due to global conflict.
Eddie Ellis once a UCW (now UWA) graduate turned down an offer of signing on at Arsenal F.C. Signed from Ardwyn as a schoolboy. He made 141 appearances scoring 253 goals. On his debut he scored twice past UCW in 1939. As an amateur signed player he featured at Huddersfield Town FC but rejected a career in soccer with Arsenal in the 1947/48 season. Ellis won an amateur International Cap versus England in November 1947, scoring the opening goal for Wales. He was by a mile the top goal-scorer in 1947/48 having found goal 59 times. “A thirty yard Ellis rocket electrified the 2000 crowd into a frenzy of jubilation.” The Cambrian News[4] noting a spectacular goal versus Llanidloes in 1948/49. Former lecturer of the Ruskin college in Oxford. On his return in the Easter of 1950, Town netted 34 goals in 4 games, Ellis with 18 goals to his name.
1980's onwards
Aber finally won the Mid-Wales league championship until 1984, after finishing as runners-up on six occasions. They retained the title the following season, both under team boss Meirion Appleton. The club were, by then, firmly established as one of the premier clubs in mid-Wales and in 1987 they returned to the Welsh League (South). They were three times runners-up in this league before their inclusion as founder members of the League of Wales.
1990's - League of Wales and qualification for European competition
Aber achieved their best position in the League of Wales to date - 3rd - in their first season. After struggling for a few seasons in the League, and flirting with relegation in 1996/7, it took until February for the Black & Greens to gain a home win. Aberystwyth at last found some success in 1998/9 when they qualified to represent Wales in the UEFA InterToto Cup competition. They did this by virtue of finishing fourth in the league on 57 points behind Barry Town on 76, Inter Cable-Tel on 63 and Cwmbran Town who took third place on goal difference.
Manager, Meirion Appleton made way for former Wolves, Derby County and Coventry City midfielder Barry Powell. This took place part-way through the season as a result of Aber crashing 5-0 at home to Caersws in a league game. Powell took over the reins of the club and led the Black & Greens into European competition for the first time. It was a memorable event with Aberystwyth narrowly losing 3-4 over two legs against Floriana of Malta.
The success of European qualification brought many changes to Park Avenue. A new BBC studio and TV gantry, followed by the new "Dias" stand which brought the number of seats in the two stands up to nearly 600. The "Dias" stand being named after club legend David "Dias" Williams who holds the club scoring record of 476 goals in only 433 games between 1966 and 1983.
2000's - Time Of Change
The pressures of maintaining the standards achieved in 1999, and the ongoing upgrading of the stadium left the club financially stretched in the 2000/2001 season. Consequently they were unable to repeat the feat of attaining a European berth, just missing out by three points, although the club gained entry to the FAW Premier cup competition for the third year running. They managed to progress to the quarter-finals twice. Barry Powell paid the price for his failure to qualify for Europe, and left the club by mutual consent.
Powell was replaced at the beginning of the 2001/2 season by Frank Gregan who had a very impressive background in English non-league football and was unanimously voted into the job as new manager prior to the start of the season. He was responsible for bringing in several players with extensive experience in the English pyramid, but it took too long for him to produce any kind of consistency on the field of play. When Gregan was linked with the Southern League club, Weston-super-Mare - and the team suffered an ignominious home exit from the Welsh Cup at the hands of CC Sports league Aberaman Athletic in October 2001 - the writing was on the wall for Gregan. This was combined with a poor away record and an exit from the lucrative latter stages of the FAW Premier cup at the hands of Caersws.
Gary Finley took over as player/manager immediately after Gregan departed for Weston. There was an instant improvement in form and with minimal additions to the squad despite most of Gregan's signings departing, a top eight finish looked possible. The club just missed out on the FAW Premier cup ending up in ninth place in the league on 51 points which was seven points adrift of the UEFA InterToto cup spot claimed by Caersws. They elected to play their home tie in the competition at Park Avenue, and like Carmarthen Town did the year before, Park Avenue witnessed the third undefeated Euro performance in four seasons, as Caersws drew 1-1.
Finley took the club to equal its best-ever finish of fourth in 2003/4 and again qualify for Europe, via the UEFA InterToto Cup, but following a policy decision to base the team on more local players, Finley departed with the Merseyside contingent and David Burrows took over as player/manager. The change of strategy produced a worsening of results in 2004/5, but the club's management decided to stick with the Ceredigion player policy despite seeing Park Avenue attendances slump by nearly 40 percent.
The club also received a further set-back in December 2004 when a serious fire destroyed much of the social club's facilities, ruling out the ground for the staging of cup finals until the new John Charles lounge was opened in 2005. Brian Coyne was appointed as manager halfway through the 2005/06 season after Burrows resigned.
In 2007 a further shock struck the club, website manager and committeeman John Acton recalls, "Everyone at the club is fully aware of Rhun’s physical, monetary, and emotional input to this great club. He has always been there since he can remember. He’s been a lifelong supporter, seen the worst games, the best games and had to deal with more managers and players than we all care to remember. His loyalty to the cause has seen him hike up more road miles than a professional HGV-driver. Rhun welcomed me on board of the matchday committee after David Hinton-Jones invited me on board. I can safely say that me and Rhun enjoyed duals of who’ll get to the old office PC the fastest and would often have a go at stealing the victor’s seat once they left." A world without Rhun Owens would be rather strange but his memory will always go on. Rhun passed away on 12/02/07 after a long battle with cancer.
Against the odds and in an increasingly unstable football league Aberystwyth Town started the 2008/09 season well. By their televised fixture on S4C against The New Saints F.C., Aberystwyth Town were 5th in the league table, facing Caersws away in the Welsh Cup 3rd Round and hosting Caersws in the League Cup quarter final. Things are looking up down by the Seaside...
Phoenix From The Flames
Saturday (By John Acton):
As a supporter, a bar worker on that night, and a committee person November the 20th, 2004 was an awful day. I was unable to see ATFC's thrilling victory at Newtown that day because I had been playing for Penparcau FC that day but as always I was working behind the bar. Ron Manager had a function booked involving a comedian and a local charity raffle raising money for a local cause (I had my raffle ticket pinned to the wall behind the bar). The night went on and the comedian started. I have to say I was more interested in seeing Match Of The Day! Sadly Casualty was the only thing semi-watchable on TV. I decided against this but left the TV on nonetheless. I returned to the bar and chatted with Jon (Fake "Buzza"). At around 9.20pm I returned to see if anything was on the box, the bar was desolate due to the comedian being on and everyone having the statutory line of pints in front of you it takes to be British. Either way I like a good comedian but he was not my cup of noodles. So I walked through the tiny room (with the glass washer and ice machine). I turned to face the screen, and could smell something unusual. As I turned I glanced the source, the red flicker of flames and the strong odour of smoke. Immediately I ran to Buzza to tell him to evacuate the building. I grabbed a nearby extinguisher. The fire looked small, it looked extinguishable. One extinguisher wasn't enough, and the flames were barely above the seating. I ran to the front door to grab more extinguishers. The bouncers joined me and we tackled the fire, it appeared to have gone out. The bouncers opened the windows to allow the smoke to disburse. In hindsight that was a rather silly thing to do, but hindsight never joins you at that moment in time, otherwise it would be foresight or current-sight. We evacuated the building and got everyone away, but as we were doing that a customer spotted the fire had reignited. We asked people to leave the main stand, and ushered them past the clubhouse (now consumed internally by a plume of black smoke). The flashes of camera phones trying to catch the moment spurred some rapid action. We made sure people left into the local NCP car park. The flames roared above the side of the clubhouse. The smoke surrounded the new Kiln bridge. Town seemed so different, the drama of it all sunk in afterwards.
Mid and West Wales Fire Service said it was alerted on Saturday at 2131 GMT and two engines were sent to the scene. A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "The fire was discovered by a member of staff in an area of the clubhouse, which was unoccupied at the time.Enquiries conducted jointly by Dyfed-Powys Police and fire service investigators have revealed that there is nothing to indicate that the origin of the fire is suspicious." Aberystwyth had, just hours before, beaten local rivals Newtown 3-2 in a derby match at their Park Avenue ground.
Monday:
Chairman of Aberystwyth Town's board Tony Bates confirmed the likely cause of the clubhouse blaze. He said the bill for the accident would probably run into tens of thousands of pounds. He appealed to the local community to help replenish the footballing memories lost in the tragedy. Among the treasured items destroyed in the club lounge fire on Saturday night were trophies, international caps, photographs and pendants. There was also a photograph of Welsh soccer legend John Charles which had been donated to the club and signed by his widow, Glenda. No-one from the club was injured in the fire and police have investigated the incident and confirmed it was not suspicious. Mr Bates said: "All of out memorabilia has gone up in smoke and we're very disappointed. We're now appealing to the local community to help us resurrect things. I've already been on the phone to the widow of out former chairman Donald Griffiths and she has a draw full of old photographs. But there are many more people who can help us re-build because nearly all of the players over the decades have been Ceredigion based." Mr Bates, whose club, at 120-years-old, is the one of the oldest in the WPL added: "It's likely the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette. Some people here tried to put the fire out at the time but it took hold. It was a tragic accident which has also resulted in the destruction of our computers and some paperwork. The insurance assessor is due here this afternoon ."
Aberystwyth club secretary Rhun Owens said it was impossible to put a price on the memorabilia. "About six amateur international caps have been destroyed, trophies from the old Welsh league have melted down and photographs of some of the club's top players have been destroyed. Some of the items stretch back decades to the 1950s. The lounge area was destroyed and the board room suffered smoke damage."
The John Charles Lounge is the new clubhouse facility at Park Avenue, named after the Aberystwyth president and footballing legend. Following a fire in 2004, it has been completely overhauled and modernised.
Honours
Joined the League of Wales: 1992 Best Welsh Premier League Finish: 4th 1998/9 Welsh Cup winners: 1900 Welsh League Cup winners : Semi-Finalists 2007 FAW Premier Cup: Quarter-Finalists 2001 CWFA Floodlit Cup winners: 2004, 2006
Defunct trophies/trophies no longer enterable by the first team: Welsh Amateur Cup: Winners: 1931, 1933, 1970 (Finalists: 1907, 1911, 1929, 1935, 1972) Welsh League (Sth): Runners-up, Div. One 1956 Champions, Div. Two 1956 South Wales Cup: Winners: 1900 Aber. Observer Cup: 1893 Cambrian Coast league: Champions: 1933,34,35,36,37, 1950, 1957 Runners-up: 1949, 1959 Ystwyth league Cup: 1932 North Wales Coast Amateur Cup: Finalists: 1940 Cambrian Coast League Cup: Winners: 1935, 1957, 1959 (Finalists: 1934) Central Wales Challenge Cup: 1976, 1982, 1983 (Runners-up: 1971, 1974) Cambrian Coast Challenge Cup: Finalists: 1947, 1950, 1957, 1959 Tywyn Cup: 1894, 1895, 1896 Rhaeadr Cup: Finalists: 1951 Cardiganshire Cup: Won by Aber. Mechanics, 1882 Mid-Wales League/Central Wales League Cup: Winners: 1927, 1928, 1939, 1948, 1968, 1971, 1974 (Finalists: 1923, 1929, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1959, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1981) Mid-Wales League/Central Wales League: Champions: 1923, 1924, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1930, 1933, 1949 (Nth. Section), 1950, 1959, 1984, 2004, 2005. (Runners Up: 1931, 1939, 1948, 1951, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1976, 1980, 1981) Montgomeryshire and District League Champions: 1905, 1907, 1908 Montgomeryshire Cup: 1906 Cambrian Tyres Second Division Champions: 2007 (ATFC 3rds)
Biggest victories, losses and notable records
- Biggest Recorded Club Win: 21-1 v Machynlleth in 1934.
- Biggest Recorded Club Defeat: 1-20 v Caersws F.C. in 1962.
- UEFA Intertoto Cup Entrants: 1999, 2004.
Welsh Premier League
- Biggest Welsh Premier League win: 6-0 v Briton Ferry Athletic, and Llanidloes Town, both in 1993.
- Biggest Welsh Premier League defeat: 1-8 v Barry Town in 1997.
- Highest Welsh Premier League gate: 1207.
- Longest Welsh Premier League sequence scoring in every match: 13 between 18/08/06 and 25/11/06
- Highest Welsh Premier League Match Aggregate Score Win: 8 Aberystwyth Town v Welshpool Town 6-2 (05/06) and ATFC v Neath Athletic (08/09).
- Least Welsh Premier League Home Goals Conceded In A Full Season: 9 (04/05)
Current squad
As of August, 2008.1
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Notable players
- Leigh Richmond Roose, the noted goalkeeper, was selected to represent Wales while playing for Aber in 1900.
- Mal Rees
- David "Dias" Williams, - all-time top goalscorer
- Donald Kane, now club chairman and third team player.
- Oswald Green
- Bob Peake
- Tommy Seaton
- AE Sandford
- Bill Putt
- Dick Caul
- Harry Richards
- Eddie Ellis
- Ted Bevan
- Gareth Hopkins, once of Stockport County.
- Mal Rees
- Derrick Dawson
- Dyfrig Davies
- Ken Williams
- Alan Blair
- Mike Evans
- Bryan Pugh-Jones
- Wil Lloyd
- David P. Whitney
- Gavin Allen
Park Avenue Stadium
The Railway End
Historically many football grounds across the UK a 'Railway End' stand. Aberystwyth however has historically at one time had two railway ends! Since the demolition of the Vale Of Rheidol railway's route from the former Maesyrafon passenger terminus nearby, the line now shadows its mainline Arriva neighbour. The Vale Of Rheidol line once crossed Park Avenue alongside the Crossville depot. The Vale Of Rheidol line looped as far as the football club's current car park entrance. In the car park closest to the Rheidol , river defence walls lay an old engine shed or two. Since then the club has also lost the Crossville End in favour of the vastly appreciated and well dedicated Dias Stand. The old Vale Of Rheidol line used to run where the Devil's Bridge Trail cyclepath follows the club, past the new astroturf site.
The Early Days
Park Avenue was originally known as Smithfield Road until it was renamed in October 1934. The ground was built upon an old iron foundry and was located opposite Smithfield cattle market, which was demolished in June 2005. 1881/82 was the year in which the club was first recorded as being used for football, and October 5th 1907 was the first matchday at Park Avenue. Aberystwyth Town beat Bala Press 7-1 in a friendly. A reserved seating area was ready for the new season. During World War I, the field was still in use for junior matches and the occasional army drill session.
2000s
In March 2000, Park Avenue held the FAW Women’s Cup final between Saundersfoot and Bangor City. In April 2001, ATFC were facing Barry Town in the Welsh Cup Semi at Llanelli, whilst the other semi-final between TNS and Maesteg Park Athletic was being held on Park Avenue. In May 2001, Park Avenue held the Gilbert League Cup Final between Barry Town and Caersws. In March 2002, Cefn United faced West End in an FAW Trophy Semi-Final on Park Avenue. In May 2002, Caersws faced Cwmbran in the Football League of Wales Final, on Park Avenue. The day before Barry Town beat Bangor City 4-1 in the Welsh Cup, also held on Park Avenue. In April 2004, TNS beat Port Talbot Town 1-0 in aWelsh Cup Semi-Final at Park Avenue. In 2004/05 ATFC were awarded an FAW National Club Licence, adhering to the ‘Must’ Criteria. In March 2005, Caernarfon Ladies beat Cardiff City Bluebirds on Park Avenue, in the FAW Women’s Cup. The Park Avenue pitch held both FAW Welsh Cup semi-finals in 2006 and the Loosemoore's Challenge Cup Final between WPL-Champions TNS and Port Talbot Town. The pitch was given a new Ryesport seed in Summer 2006, along with an upgrade on the floodlights. A new stand has also now replaced the old Shed stand. In November 2004 a devastating fire gutted the lounge bar, office, and toilets to the West of the buiilding. The clubhouse was closed all season afterwards. A temporary bottle bar was set up by the committee in the BBC Studio. In September 2005 the new John Charles Lounge was opened by widow of John Charles and also ATFC Honourary Life President, Glenda Charles. The Mid-Wales Youth International Tournament (formerly the Ian Rush Tournament) opening game has often been held on Park Avenue as far back as 1985, and as recent as 2005.
Other Sporting Activities
In April 1951, the club was used for rugby. An exhibition game between Scarlets and the new Aberystwyth club finished 17-0 to Scarlets.
Green Legend Derrick Dawson has given ATFC.org.uk some more details on Park Avenue's tremendous history. "The boxing was held at the ground in the summer of 1956. The main bout was a heavy weight fight between Dick Richardson (Newport) and Gunther Nurnberg (Germany). I think it was for the European Championship." The fight was held on July the 7th 1956 with 6' 1" Dick Richardson winning the fight. Dick Richardson had his training sessions at the Royal Pier, Aberystwyth seafront.
Cambrian News reader Geraint Richards told the newspaper the following in 2004, "The public were allowed in for afternoon sessions, which was great. This had never happened before and it hasn’t happened since. I also enclose the souvenir programme from Dick Richardson’s training sessions which may be of interest to local boxing fans - note, six pence each. Dick was from Newport and his trainer, Johnny Lewis was from Aberaeron. Ring promoter Ebbie Ellis was from Borth." According to the programme, Aberystwyth boxing fans could make their way down to the pier most afternoons (between 16 April and 5 May 1956) to see the then 21-year-old Dick Richardson and his sparring partners, Ed “Polly” Smith, Marcel Limage, Basil Kew and Frank Bell. The intensive training was to prepare Richardson for a fight with Joe Erskine in Cardiff on 7 May. “He also fought Gunther Nurnberg at Aberystwyth Town Football club on 7 July 1956,” said Mr Richards. Richardson's punishing training routine involved skipping exercises, work on the punchbag, shadow boxing and skipping, a far cry from today's high-tech, high-calorie regimes. And the public were allowed to come in and watch. A special promotion leaflet for the Royal Pier lists some illustrious sparring partners: Ed 'Polly' Smith, Light Heavy Weight Chamoion of Bermuda, and Marcxel Limage, former European amateur middleweight champion, among them. Dick Richardson fought 20 professional bouts, winning 17, a great credit to Wales. Born in Newport on June the 1st 1934, Dick Richardson died in Camberley on the 14th of July 1999.
References
- ^ http://www.low.org.uk/ClubStats.ink?club=3455&season=08/09§ion=stats According to low.org.uk/ClubStats
2. http://www.history.atfc.org.uk/historylegends.htm authored by John Acton, Rhun Owens and ATFC.org.uk
2. http://www.atfc.org.uk authored by John Acton, Thomas White, ATFC Committee, and the webteam at ATFC.org.uk
4. http://www.cambrian-news-today.co.uk The Cambrian News
External links
