Welcome to the latest installment of the Gloucester Groundhopper blog.
For this chapter, we hopped back over the border into Wales for some Cymru Premier League action in what was a momentous day for the GG clan as it is the 100th ground we have visited. Jenner Park was the host for the day as Barry Town United took on Colwyn Bay.
It's All In The Name
Barry Town United's nickname is the Linnets. A linnet is a bird that appeared on the club's initial crest and is abundant in the Welsh area. The origin of the town's name is a point of contention. It could be derived from Saint Baruc, who was buried on Barry Island and had a destroyed chapel dedicated to him in the sixth century. Alternatively, the name could be derived from the Welsh word bar, which means "hill, summit."
Some Notable People From Barry Island:
Bryn Merrick- Punk Musician
Rhodri Williams- Sports Journalist
Robert Tear- Singer
Julia Gillard- Politician
Lloyd Everitt- Actor
Some Notable Former Players:
Adebayo Akinfenwa
Christian Doidge
David Cotterill
Dai Ward
David Forde
A History Lesson From The Gloucester Groundhopper
Barry Town United's history extends back to 1892, when the area's first association football team, Barry and Cadoxton District, was created. This team saw several upheavals in its early years, playing on five different venues under multiple identities, including Barry Unionist Athletic, Barry United Athletic, and Barry District. Among others who appeared during these years were Ted Vizard and Billy Jennings, both of whom went on to play in the historic 'White Horse' FA Cup Final.
A meeting at The Windsor public house on Holton Road in November 1912 saw townspeople choose to join the burgeoning Southern League as Barry AFC (the 'Town' suffix was added after World War II). The team would secure land held by the Jenner family, and the town would band together to create Jenner Park in time for the opening game of the 1912-13 season.
Barry's debut match was against Mid-Rhondda in the Southern League on September 6, 1913, at Jenner Park. The game drew 4,000 spectators, including 1,000 travelling fans.
The new stadium would be visited by Stoke City, Brentford, Coventry City, and others throughout the next two seasons. The Great War, however, would soon halt any competitive proceedings, with Barry captain Major James Wightman among the many dead of The Battle of the Somme.
The 1920-21 season was one of the best in Barry's history, with the club surprising many by winning the Southern League's Welsh section. The result was all the more astonishing given that the small Barry squad played almost 100 games in all competitions during the season. While competing in both the Welsh and Western Leagues, the Barry board prioritised Southern League fixtures, persuaded by hopes of joining the new English Third Division.
In the late 1950s, a slew of Scandinavian stars descended to Jenner Park and dazzled Barry football fans with their prowess. Among them were Hannu Kankkonen of Finland and Bengt 'Folet' Berndtsson, a member of Sweden's World Cup-winning squad in 1958. The inflow of players from continental Europe was caused by chairman John Bailey's abroad business interests.
Barry left the Southern League in 1982, focusing on Welsh League competition and winning six Welsh League titles by the end of the decade, thanks in large part to the goals of striker Steve Williams.
With the formation of the League of Wales (now Cymru Premier) in 1992, it was decreed that Barry would no longer be permitted to compete in the English pyramid at all while headquartered in Wales. The Town were forced into exile as part of the Irate Eight (along with Newport, Merthyr, Colwyn Bay, Bangor City, Caernarfon Town, Newtown, and Rhyl), with the first team adopting the name Barri AFC and playing 'home' matches out of Worcester City's ground, while the reserves (by now, a local league outfit) stayed at Jenner Park. This agreement, however, would only last one season, as chairman O' Halloran made a surprising U-turn, allowing the Barry first team to return home and finally be welcomed into Welsh League Division One for the 1993-94 season.
Later followed one of Barry's most memorable triumphs, when they defeated Cardiff City in front of 16,000 people at the old National Stadium. Barry had a European Cup Winners Cup encounter against algiris Vilnius of Lithuania as a reward for winning the Welsh Cup, however they were defeated 7-0 on aggregate.
Following one season in the League of Wales, Barry chose to become the league's first completely professional team, and they went on to win their first league championship in 1995-96. The deaths of chairman Neil O' Halloran and teenage midfielder Matthew Holtham, the latter in a highway accident on the way back from an away match in April, tarnished the season.
In 1996, the club made history by being the first League of Wales team to advance through the first round of a European competition.
Following his victory over Dinaburg in Latvia, Barry defeated Budapest Vasutas in one of several spectacular European nights at Jenner Park. Despite losing 3-1 in the away leg, Barry raced to a 3-1 victory in the return match, and then won a penalty shoot-out 4-2.
Barry became the first League of Wales team to win the FAW Premier Cup in 1999, defeating Wrexham 2-1 at the club's Racecourse Ground. Barry were pipped to the title in 2000 by the resurgent TNS, but reclaimed it the following season, while European fights with Dynamo Kyiv and Boavista saw players of the highest calibre gracing Jenner Park (including Andriy Shevchenko and Serhii Rebrov).
The following season, Barry became the first League of Wales team to win a European Champions League tie, defeating Azerbaijan champions FC Shamkir to set up a matchup with Portuguese club FC Porto. Barry was defeated 8-0 in the first leg in Portugal, after surrendering two early penalties in front of a partisan 55,000 crowd. Barry, on the other hand, would win the home leg 3-1, a historic outcome that has grown in mythology with the success of Porto's Ricardo Carvalho, Helder Postiga, and others.
The golden age would not last forever, and the ongoing issue of obtaining enough prize money to maintain the club's high standards would finally catch up with those in charge. Following the resignation of chairperson and supporter Paula O' Halloran, former Scarborough and Grantham Town official Kevin Green was appointed as the club's new chief executive; nevertheless, his various measures failed to arrest the rot. In one high-profile move, Green hired ex-footballer and celebrity John Fashanu as the club's high-profile chairman in the winter of 2002. Some considered Fashanu as the missing piece of the puzzle, the one who would assist Barry's success continue in the future. Fashanu made headlines with promising African and Chinese TV deals and an inflow of Nigerian internationals, but did little to steady a Barry ship in more choppy waters. Then, following triumph on ITV's I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Fashanu departed the club, which was in danger of going bankrupt due to his newfound fame.
The club went into administration in the summer of 2003, and the professional squad swiftly disintegrated. An temporary management team was recruited, together with an amateur squad drawn mostly from local South Wales Amateur League side N & M Construction (five levels below the Welsh Premier). Barry had gone from winning a European match to losing 8-0 at Caernarfon Town in less than a month. Despite the fact that the professional-era bubble had popped, fans began collecting funds to help keep the team afloat. On December 10, 2003, Stuart Lovering arrived to purchase the club.
During a crisis meeting at Jenner Park in December 2008, supporters came forward to offer their commitment to running the first squad (establishing a new company for this purpose), allowing Lovering to focus on finding a buyer. The club appeared to be on the approach of being sold in 2010, when billionaire Clayton Jones appeared to secure a deal. However, this fell through at the last minute, derailing plans to hire Wales international John Hartson as Director of Football.
Undaunted, the Stand Up For Barry campaign was launched in 2010, utilising new social media channels such as Twitter to convey awareness of the club's problems to a larger online audience. As supporters worked to keep the club alive, the outpouring of support from the football community proved vital.
Lovering revealed his intention to withdraw the first team from higher league competition shortly after the 2010-11 season ended. To prevent this, the Barry Town Supporters' Committee (BTSC) gained entire control of all football and its funding, ushering in what became known as the 'DIY Football' era among certain supporters. In the months that followed, the revitalised, fan-run Barry outfit had their most successful Welsh Cup campaign in previous seasons, defeating rivals Merthyr Town at Penydarren Park and prevailing in extra time at Haverfordwest County before losing 3-2 at Newport County.
The club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012, with a number of events planned to commemorate the occasion and the upcoming centenary season. To kick off the festivities, the BTSC hosted Cardiff City in a charity friendly in August, which drew 2,000 fans. However, Lovering's threats to withdraw Barry from the Welsh Football League would grow in the weeks leading up to the celebrations, threatening to overshadow them. Nonetheless, the BTSC hosted a successful '100 Years of Barry Town' gala at the Angel Hotel (attended by many former and current players), before the current squad defeated Welsh League winners Cambrian and Clydach on the 100th anniversary.
Lovering withdrew the senior team from the Welsh Football League on 7 May 2013, despite the wishes of the BTSC, players, and supporters, who were ready, willing, and able to play the next two league games (both against Tonne Pentre). Rejecting this perceived act of sabotage, those in charge of the football announced their desire to carry on as before, adopting the Barry Town United suffix to emphasise their continued unity and effort. However, during a meeting of the FAW Council in Betws-y-Coed in June 2013, it was stated that the Barry side would be forced to play "recreational football" going forward, causing widespread outrage both locally and nationally.
On Saturday, April 6, 2019, a 5-2 victory against Bala Town, along with a 6-0 victory for The New Saints away at Newtown, assured Barry would finish at least third in the 2018-19 JD Cymru Premier and qualify for the UEFA Europa League preliminary phase. This was a stunning turnaround for the club, which qualified for European play for the first time since winning the JD Cymru Premier in 2002-03.
Following the cancellation of the 2019-20 season due to the COVID-19 epidemic, Barry would make his second European appearance in as many years, travelling to the Faroe Islands to play NSI Runavik in a one-legged tie. However, the club's league results began to deteriorate, and Barry were relegated to the Cymru South in April 2022, after finishing 11th out of 12 in the 2021-22 Cymru Premier. Despite this, the club would rebound, with new manager Lee Kendall, a former Jenner Park goalkeeper, leading the team to the Cymru Southchampionship with three games to spare in 2022-23.
Honours
🏆 League of Wales / Welsh Premier League / Cymru Premier (Winners: 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03)
🏆 Welsh League Division One / Cymru South (Winners: 1926–27, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1993–94, 2016–17, 2022-23)
🏆 Welsh League Division Two (Winners: 1951–52, 1957–58, 2014–15)
🏆 Welsh League Division Three (Winners: 2013–14)
🏆 Southern League, Welsh Section (Winners: 1920–21)
🏆 Welsh Cup (Winners: 1954–55, 1993–94, 1996–97, 2000–01, 2001-02, 2002–03)
🏆 League of Wales Cup (Winners: 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000)
🏆 FAW Premier Cup (Winners: 1998–99)
🏆 FAW Trophy (Winners: 1993–94)
🏆 Welsh League Cup (Winners: 1934–35, 1946–47, 1978–79, 1982–83, 1986–87, 1993–94)
🏆 South Wales Senior Cup (Winners: 1925–26, 1926–27, 1937–38, 1938–39, 1952–53, 1953–54, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1965–66, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1983–84, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1991–92)
🏆 West Wales Senior Cup (Winners: 1927–28)
🏆 Welsh Blood Service Cup, National (Winners: 2022-23)
🏆 Welsh Blood Service Cup, Southern (Winners: 2022-23)
An Interview With Barry Town United Supporter, Robert Evans:
GG: Could You Tell Us How Long You have been a Barry Town United fan, and what has the journey with the club been like for you and your family?
I've been a Barry Town supporter for as long as I can remember; I was born and raised in Barry and have always supported the team through ups and downs, multiple leagues, successes and defeats. I've attempted to bring other family members along over the years, but they've never experienced the magic that I do at Jenner Park.
My son now has a season ticket at the Amex, and my cousin cheers on St Albans City at home and away (at least they enjoy football).
GG: Could you tell us about the Matchday experience at Barry Town and what we can expect?
Barry Town's matchday experience is enjoyable, inclusive, and unforgettable. Fans can expect a kind greeting in the clubhouse, a truly high-quality playing surface, and fantastic views from the stands wherever they choose to sit (there is no segregation at Jenner Park). The cabin near the Gladstone Road entrance serves hot cuisine, and the bar is well-stocked and fairly priced. At the Gladstone Road terminus, there is plenty of free street parking.
GG: Who is Barry Town United’s star player this season?
Mikey George, who was wholehearted, skilled, and committed to the team previous season, was Barry Town United's standout performer. I met him through work, and he is likewise a charming, humorous, and decent young man.
GG: Can you give us an overview of the Welsh football and how it compares to football across the globe?
Any review of Welsh football must acknowledge all committed supporters and club members at all levels; without them, Welsh football is nothing. Personally, I believe it is the most popular and well-supported sport in Wales.
Barry has various teams at many levels, including womens, girls, boys, veterans, walking football, pan disability, and over 70s, in addition to the apparent first squad.Indeed, when we took photos last year, there were almost 800 individuals crowded into the stand, all dressed up. Hundreds of local children play for the club, and it is one of the most well-supported teams in the Welsh Premier League.
GG: Who is your favourite player of all time?
My all-time favourite player is Phil Dwyer, a long-serving Cardiff City veteran who holds the club's all-time appearance record with 575. When I was growing up, he was a legend, and he was the only player that ever wrote me a letter.
GG: What is the best football match you’ve been to as a Barry fan?
Too many to single one out
GG: Which managers have left the most memories for Barry fans?
Some Memorable managers include John Fashanu, (bad memories), Peter Nicholas and Gavin Chesterfield (good memories).
GG: Who would you say was the biggest team to play at Barry’s stadium?
Porto, Dynamo Kyiv, Cardiff City, and Aberdeen have all graced the Jenner pitch, as have lesser-known teams such as Swansea City, Forest Green Rovers, Newport County, and Total Network Solutions.
GG: Can you tell us, in general, how Barry like to play? What formation do they use? What tactics?
In general, Barry prefers to use the 4G pitch quality at home, where the surface facilitates crisp passing. Away from the pitch, the style is determined by the pitch's condition. Taffs Well looked like a ski slope last season, and Llantwit's grass often seems ploughed rather than cut.
GG: Can you tell us a funny story about Barry Town United?
Funniest thing I can think of about Barry Town United is that I myself now play for them at walking football, and have scored a goal against Swansea City.
Matchday: Barry Town United 1-1 Colwyn Bay
We travelled to Barry on a warm Saturday evening as we sought a game that was befitting of the weather. The journey was a bit difficult as significant traffic on the M4 made a one hour journey into three. We arrived in Barry and visited the house where Gavin and Stacey was filmed (47 Trinity Street), then headed down to the seafront for some lunch.
We visited a Brewers Fayre near the seafront and it has to be said that this wasn't a great experience. I ordered a prawn cocktail and lasagne, and to be honest with you, the prawn still had their poo in them (if you know prawns you know what I mean). Finners ordered cauliflower bites, Cheese and onion pie and Jam Roly Poly, and the wait for the jam roly poly was nearly half an hour, so it meant we couldn't go to the beach.
We then ventured to Jenner Park. We parked in some nearby residential parking then went straight to the club bar. The bar is full of Welsh sporting memorabilia and paraphernalia. There's a couple of comments I'd like to make, one is a complaint from me, one from Finners. My one is that there isn't really any privacy in the toilet. When you go into the cubicle to undertake your ablutions, there's a huge gap in the door meaning that people can see what you're doing. As much as I liked the people at Barry, I don't want them watching me take a dump.
Secondly, there's a £5 minimum on the card machine in the bar, so if you're on your own, and don't carry cash, you're going to end up buying things you don't really want. I understand that some places get charged for use of card machines, but I'm not really a fan of putting minimums on them.
We then entered the ground. The ticketing system was fairly simple. We ordered our tickets online, and they were sent directly to our phones. We went straight into the club shop and asked for some pin badges- there were none. The man explained that he was in the process of designing them and they would be available in late September. EBay it is.
Finners, having not eaten for over an hour, wanted some food at the ground. He returned from the food stall in a rage as it turned out this is cash only. Following on from previous comments about card machines, if you're cash only, it would be beneficial for the club to state this on social media, so that visitors know to bring cash. By doing this, they're doing themselves a disservice and essentially stunting their sales. The range of food seemed reasonable, with burgers and chips and pies available.
The stadium is made up of two stands that are rather large. Comparing this to the other grounds we had visited in the Welsh Premier League, this was one of the best. I just am not a fan of grounds that have running tracks round the edges. It makes you feel far away from the game. However, I do understand that it's a multipurpose stadium which helps with the income for the club.
The welcome we received was brilliant. 99% of people were lovely, chatty and funny. There were plenty of people willing to help us and point us in the right direction. The score for the welcome was decreased slightly because of the guy who kept whistling with his fingers right in my ear even after he was asked to stop. In the end, we moved seats as it was intolerable.
The fans were great and it was a reasonable atmosphere. There were two sets of fans (one for each team) that made a lot of noise and kept the atmosphere going. The use of the drum by the Barry supporters was great as it got people going and pumped up for the game.
Teamsheet
Barry Town United
Manager: Steve Jenkins
Mike Lewis
Michael George
Chris Hugh
Keenan Patten
Callum Sainty
Curtis McDonald
Sam Snaith ⚽️
Jordan Cotterill
Jamie Veale
Ollie Hulbert
Evan Press
Substitutes
Luc Rees
Aidan Lewis
Finn Roberts
Lucas Tomlinson
Luke Sylvester
Callum Huggins
Mo Djalo
Colwyn Bay
Manager: Steve Evans
Alfie Brooks
Dan Jones
Alex Downes
Danny Holmes
Stef Edwards
Sam Downey
Nick Rushton
Tommy Creamer ⚽️
Matty Hill
Sam Turner
Dylan Allshorn
Substitutes
Joe Smith
Ryan Edwards
Guto Williams
Udi Akpan
Jamie Cumming
The game opened well in favour of Barry Town United, but it was Colwyn Bay who had the first chance when Nick Rushton stung Mike Lewis' hands. Barry Town United took the lead in the 11th minute. Sam Snaith received a throw in and twisted his man before firing the ball low into the bottom corner. Barry almost scored again right away, but Cotterill's attempt was blocked by Colwyn Bay custodian Alfie Brooks.
Barry Town had numerous chances, including one when Snaith hit the post after meeting a cross. Barry put Colwyn Bay under increasing strain during the first half. This includes a play in which Curtis McDonald picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch and drove forward before hitting wide. The head of skipper Evan Press was then reached by a Veale free kick, but his header went over the bar.
Colwyn Bay improved significantly in the second half, with Tommy Creamer equalising on the hour mark after Mike Lewis cleared a ball and Creamer volleyed the ball from outside the area, which looped into the net. Mike Lewis denied Udi Akpan from close range after the striker had run through on goal for Colwyn Bay.
Scores On The Doors
Atmosphere: 7/10
Food and Drink: 2/10
Stadium: 6/10
Welcome: 7:10
Overall Experience: 7/10
GG
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