The aim of the project is to produce an archive of all the Leagues that have existed in Wales, and their histories, from the early attempts in the 1890s to the present day. In addition the archive will include a full list of Welsh Cup match results from 1876 to the present day.
The work on the Welsh Cup is near completion with all results established apart from five results missing from the period 1877 to 1892. The results of matches played during the seasons 1985-86 to 1992-93 inclusive need verification.
For the Leagues, the intention is to record the history, including the formation of the League, its development and in most cases its demise, with as many final tables from the League’s lifespan as possible. Where tables are not available, a list of champions and member clubs for each season in question is the desired alternative.
A list of the Leagues that are known to have existed has been compiled and once verified will be circulated. The country has been split into the usual regional groups of North, Mid and South Wales for easier co-ordination of research.
Existing Leagues are being contacted for available information and in the hope that we can generate internal interest in researching in history of their own Leagues. Regional newspapers will be made aware of our project and be asked to appeal on our behalf for help in researching the Leagues within each paper’s circulation area.
Welsh Premier League clubs have been asked to feature an appeal for help in their programmes in the hope of attracting budding or existing football historians to come forward and help.
Initially the work will be loaded on to a website for reference. It is hoped that this will be set up in the very near future.
Those involved with the project so far are:
- Mel Thomas
- Ian Garland
- Aled Jones
- Alun Evans
- Peter Arrowsmith
- Gavin Grosvenor
- Dave Rapson
- Alan Ahearne
- Gareth Hughes
- Clive Wyatt
IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE AT YOUR CLUB WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PROJECT, PLEASE PASS ON THIS URL.
Mel 03/01/05
