It was Jimmy Murphy from Pentre, Rhondda who led Cymru to their first, and until this year only, World Cup in 1958. Sixty-four years later, another son of the Rhondda Valleys takes up that challenge, guiding the national team to the tournament and turning a historic page in the annals of Welsh football.
Robert Page returned to his hometown to announce his 26-player squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Tylorstown Welfare Hall was full to the brim of passionate locals, Cymru jerseys and media representatives, as well as three surviving members of the 1958 squad: Cliff Jones, Terri Medwin and George Baker.
Page reminds the audience that buildings like the Welfare Hall are vital for our community, that they bring us together – comparable, even, to being in the Cymru squad’s changing rooms. “A group of people that share the same values, no egos, from a working class background – that’s what we are as a community, that’s what being Welsh is and being from the Valleys is, and I’m proud of that.”
Page, with Ian Gwyn Hughes, took to the stage and delved into his journey as a player, a coach and an individual. His emotion was clear when asked what it means to be the manager of Wales’ national team.
As for the Cymru squad, there are no major surprises; Page had already proclaimed his loyalty to the players that secured qualification. Cymru’s first centurion Chris Gunter and teammate Jonny Williams secured their places in Qatar, despite playing their domestic football in England’s fourth tier, and the hamstring issues that have beset Joe Allen since mid-September have not prevented his selection. Gareth Bale, now playing in the USA, remains squad captain, and Sorba Thomas, Brennan Johnson and Mark Harris – each also claiming over 100 caps – will travel for their first ever major tournament.
Before boarding the plane to Qatar, sleepless nights lie ahead for Page still: a full round of league matches this weekend means the risk of injury to squad members remains. However, Page affirmed he is looking forward to the challenge and that Cymru are not going to Qatar to make the numbers up – they are going to compete.
The night drew to an end with a rendition of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau and bucket hats full of energy from the crowd. The spirit of ‘22 was sweet and infectious as Cymru is indeed together stronger – a community that succeeds in representing the voice of a nation.
The 2022 Cymru World Cup squad:
Wayne Hennessey
Danny Ward
Adam Davies
Ben Davies
Ben Cabango
Tom Lockyer
Joe Rodon
Chris Mepham
Ethan Ampadu
Chris Gunter
Neco Williams
Connor Roberts
Sorba Thomas
Joe Allen
Matt Smith
Dylan Levitt
Harry Wilson
Joe Morrell
Jonny Williams
Aaron Ramsey
Rubin Colwill
Gareth Bale
Kieffer Moore
Mark Harris
Brennan Johnson
Dan James
words MARED THOMAS
Want more sport?
The latest news, previews, reviews, interviews and features, from Wales and beyond.