Category Archives: Wales

Mark Hughes the Welshman

Posted on November 25, 2012 by ffwtbol

In 1854 the English writer George Borrow described a visit across the border to ‘Rhiwabon’ in the book “Wild Wales”: “I ascended a hill, from the top of which I looked down into a smoky valley. I descended, passing by … Continue reading →

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Fred Keenor the Welsh International

Posted on November 10, 2012 by ffwtbol

Most people associate Fred Keenor with his club, Cardiff City. But Keenor was also one of the greats of the international game. After making his debut against England in the Cardiff ‘Victory’ match of 1919, Keenor would become an all-time … Continue reading →

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A perigord truffle of a match: Wales 2-1 Scotland

Posted on October 14, 2012 by ffwtbol

As we walked triumphantly underneath the Ninian Park railway bridge, I heard the first Scottish accent complaining about the Welsh ‘needing to cheat to win a game’. I laughed involuntarily and uproariously. This was a Scot complaining about us cheating. … Continue reading →

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Posted in Wales | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Gwilym Boore, Sports Personality of the Week

Posted on February 17, 2012 by ffwtbol

I found this article by Patrick Collins in the Mail on Sunday, September 5th 1999. It’s fantastic. ———————- FOUR days ago he was an anonymous figure, a man whose virtues were known only to close friends and family. Today he … Continue reading →

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Posted in FAW, Wales | 4 Comments

Forget the agendas and respect Speed’s Legacy

Posted on January 15, 2012 by ffwtbol

Since the death of Gary Speed, Welsh football’s attentions have turned to the possible successor for the role of manager of the national side. Due to the tragic circumstances of the vancancy, there was a long and respectful period of … Continue reading →

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Posted in FAW, Wales | 2 Comments

The terrible news that brought fans together

Posted on December 3, 2011 by ffwtbol

I was asked to write a piece for the Western Mail yesterday afternoon on the public’s reaction to Gary Speed’s death. It felt awkward, it felt like I was somehow profiteering from tragedy but it seemed appropriate somehow that I … Continue reading →

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Posted in Wales | 3 Comments

Putting the Bale into Baleful

Posted on November 2, 2011 by ffwtbol

It makes me despair, it really does. The sight of Gareth Bale, and then heart-breakingly, our young captain, Aaron Ramsey proudly wearing the blue mock Team GB shirt in a cynically produced propaganda series has deadened my morale, and blunted … Continue reading →

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Posted in Wales | 52 Comments

The sobering tale of Nathan Craig

Posted on October 1, 2011 by ffwtbol

When I first moved to north Wales in 2006, the name ‘Nathan Craig’ was prominent in the local press and rarely absent from the lips of local cognoscenti in conversations about football in the area. At that time, Nathan seemingly … Continue reading →

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Posted in Wales | 5 Comments

England 1-0 Wales

Posted on September 6, 2011 by ffwtbol

When Wales beat Montenegro on Friday, the newspaper headlines were lavish in their praise. “Wales do England a favour”. “England will be happy with Welsh Result” they blared. Journalists celebrated the booking of Craig Bellamy. “Delighted that Bellamy will miss … Continue reading →

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Posted in FAW, Wales | 9 Comments

Wales 2-1 Montenegro (YESSSSSSSS!!!!)

Posted on September 3, 2011 by ffwtbol

I don’t think I’ve ever written a blog when drunk, but sometimes you need to grasp the moment. These oases of pleasure amongst a lifetime of supporting misery are rare enough for a Wales supporter. I’ve decided to recreate the … Continue reading →

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Posted in Wales | 3 Comments