Fans call for town's support (From Barry And District News)

Fans call for town's support

1IT was billed as possibly Barry Town's last ever game but the mood at Jenner Park on Friday was surprisingly upbeat.

Seven-times Welsh Premier champions Barry, began their season with a fixture against Aberystwyth Town.

And as player manager Kenny Brown said: "This was a game that either signals the end or it is a new beginning."

On a fresh summer evening, Barry Town's true fans turned out in force to support the Dragons.

And they had a lot to say about the club's well-documented financial problems.

Richard Jones, 67, of Whitewell Road, has supported Barry for 40 years and is a member of the Supporters' Club committee.

He said: "I hope things will be okay.

This could be the last game and that hurts, but all credit to the players, they have been marvellous throughout all this.

"I'm a bit disappointed with the council. I get the impression that they're not interested in Barry's plight.

What they forget is that through European competition, we have gained great publicity for the town.

"You've got to be optimistic. There have been other clubs in positions like this and they've managed to get back on their feet."

Cardiff-based Dave Collins, editor of Welsh Football magazine, agreed.

He said: "You have to feel sorry for the fans. What has happened to these supporters is a disgrace.

"Other clubs in this type of situation have pulled through, so there's hope, especially if there's enough support in the town and fans are patient enough to put up with a painful transition period.

"As a Wimbledon fan, I'm a strong believer in fan power." Michael Finn, of Coldbrook, was at the game with his grandson, Jacob Gough.

Michael said: "Maybe the club are in this position because there's not enough support in the town.

It would be a great shame if they went out of business.

They need some sort of saviour to come in and help them."

Helen Frost, from the West End of Barry, was collecting money for the players with her son, Dafydd.

Helen was full of praise for the fans and the team members: "You've got to take your hat off to the players, not many would play without being paid.

"People have been generous with their money tonight, even those from Aberystwyth.

"It would be very sad if they went under, but I'm optimistic about the future. They may have go into receivership, but they will come back stronger."

William Callaghan, from Southwalk, said it was not an easy night for Barry fans to deal with.

"I feel emotional tonight, though I am optimistic that somebody with the best interests of the club will take over.

"We desperately need the support of the people of Barry.

"I don't know whether it would make any difference to the town if Barry went out of business, but it would to the fans and the players.

"The players have been magnificent. They have been through so much.

They have been a credit to football."

Barry lost 2-1.