Interview with Roger Riley by David Phillips for Age Concern North Wales Central, in which Roger reflects on his childhood move from Manchester to Rhyl, his early footballing success with Rhyl FC, and his later career in local football management. He offers a detailed portrait of Rhyl’s sporting heyday, memorable teammates, and the town’s changing fortunes, ending with his hope for the club’s revival.

00:00–00:57
Roger explains that he was born in Manchester in 1935 but moved to Rhyl as a baby when his family left the city due to the looming war. He considers himself a Rhyl native.

00:57–02:25
He recalls Rhyl as a thriving seaside resort and describes attending a small private school, The Poplars, where he first showed footballing promise.

02:25–03:22
As a teenager he was spotted by Rhyl FC and played two to three seasons before completing national service. He worked simultaneously for William Bernard, a builder’s merchant.

03:22–04:14
Roger describes moving from Bernard’s to Vickers, later known locally as Roger Jones’s, while continuing his football career.

04:14–06:09
He reflects on Rhyl’s successful 1950s team, competing strongly in the Cheshire League and FA Cup, playing at grounds such as Chester’s Sealand Road and facing clubs like Stalybridge and Hyde.

06:09–07:10
Roger discusses teammate Don Spendlove, a prolific goal scorer who declined league offers—including Tottenham—to keep his plumbing business.

07:10–09:00
He recalls an FA Cup tie at Hull City during a polio outbreak, requiring the team to camp outside the city and avoid contact before and after the match.

09:00–11:33
Roger describes managers Freddie Roberts and Billy Russell, both colourful figures with league backgrounds, and the influx of Scottish players into Rhyl.

11:33–14:30
He outlines later years playing and managing in Welsh League football, including a spell at Prestatyn, and running Rhyl’s youth team.

14:30–15:22
Roger ends by reflecting on Rhyl FC’s decline and his hope, though faint, for future revival.