0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:07- The story of Welsh football - is one worth telling.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- Like in all good stories, - there are heroes...
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- ..and villains.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- There are tough, physical battles...
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- ..and emotional ones.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- In the series, - I'll visit village grounds...
0:00:25 > 0:00:26- Save!
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- ..and city stadiums.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- I'll meet the people - who helped shape the game in Wales.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- Maes Tegid is the home of Bala FC.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Bala is going - from strength to strength.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- It gained promotion to - the Welsh Premier League in 2009...
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- ..and stayed there ever since.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- It's a far cry from the riches of - the Liberty, Cardiff City Stadium...
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- ..and even Wrexham.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- They play in the English pyramid.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- But they're at the heart - of Welsh football identity.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- That sums up the ambivalence - of the game in Wales...
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- ..and why that identity came - under threat on several occasions.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- These threats still exist today.
0:01:36 > 0:01:42- Football became increasingly - popular in the early 20th century...
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- ..especially in South Wales.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- In England, the Southern League - administrators...
0:01:50 > 0:01:55- ..looked on in envy at the packed - terraces in Welsh matches.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- In 1909, the Southern League - secretary visited South Wales...
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- ..to invite some big - local clubs to join them.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- They included Ton Pentre - in the Rhondda.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14- The tactic worked.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- By 1919, fifteen South Wales clubs - played in the Southern League.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- By 1922, there were six Welsh clubs - in the Football League...
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- ..the main English league.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- So, contrary to what some people - think, the English came after us.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- We didn't ask to play in England.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- The 1920s was a golden age - for Welsh football.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- Clubs in the south - turned professional.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- Swansea reached the semi-final - of the FA Cup in 1924.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- Cardiff reached the final in 1925.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- But the highlight was 1927, when - Cardiff brought the Cup to Wales.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- Everybody was proud of them, - especially the Football Association.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- We wish to place on record...
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- ..the delight of all lovers - of the game in the principality...
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- ..at our premier club...
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- ..bringing to Wales the English Cup - for the first time in history.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- The Association's use of the - word "principality" speaks volumes.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- The FAW minutes is full of examples - of how it saw itself...
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- ..as part - of the British establishment.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- When Queen Mary died in 1953...
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- ..the FAW demanded that - all clubs had a minute's silence...
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- ..wore black armbands, - flew the flag at half mast...
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- ..and sang God Save The Queen.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- I'm not accusing the FAW - of being anti-Welsh.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- It merely reflected the attitude of - the majority of our public bodies...
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- ..as well as the nation, - to the crown.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- But it's a fact that the attitude - of the FAW was very negative...
0:04:05 > 0:04:10- ..towards anything that could ignite - the spark of patriotism.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11- # DWR # - Huw Jones
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- The 1960s heralded - a surge of nationalism in Wales.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- There were pro-language protests - across the country.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- This rebellious spirit didn't reach - the terraces and grounds.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- But that changed in the 1970s.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- Just listen to this atmosphere.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- It's something - that hasn't been experienced here...
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- ..or in any other ground - around Wales...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- ..for a tremendously long time.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- As this amazing footage - from Ninian Park in 1977 shows...
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- ..the crowd wanted to express their - unique Welsh identity to the world.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- Wales! Wales! Wales!
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- Dai Davies was in that team.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- He has since settled in Llangollen.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- He remembers it - as if it were yesterday.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- Dai, you played - for Wales from 1975 to 1982.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- It's an iconic time for me, - as a child. I remember it well.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- How did it feel - to represent your country?
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- Mike Smith was a successful manager, - and so were we as a squad.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- Several of the players - played in the First Division.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28- We were close.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- Our strength was knowing - we were different.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- We played for each other. - Best play is team play.
0:05:39 > 0:05:45- How was the feeling of identity - within the team?
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- We were lucky. A few of us - were passionate about the language.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- John Mahoney learnt Welsh, - fair play to him.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Sorry we're late, Reg. - Reg Harries, Y Deri landlord.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- Dai Davies and John Mahoney.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01- Dai Davies and John Mahoney.- - How are you?
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- John played Welsh songs in the bus.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- Half a lager, seeing as I'm driving.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Half a lager, seeing as I'm driving.- - And a pint, please.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- Ian Evans joined the squad - from Crystal Palace.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- We'd have a singsong - after a few pints.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- Ian Evans sang - Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- John Mahoney poured a pint over him!
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- Ian had to realize he wasn't - a Londoner, but a Welshman.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Evans... yes!
0:06:36 > 0:06:37- Ian Evans the scorer.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- That's the first goal - he's ever scored for his country...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..and it's come at a vital moment.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- There were iconic games.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- The famous win against - England in Wembley.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- What did that feel like?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- I was very lucky.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03- I was a young lad from Glanaman - who played four times in Wembley.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- I never lost.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- There were three draws.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- In the 1977 game...
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- ..we asked if they could play - Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in Wembley.
0:07:16 > 0:07:22- Their excuse was that the Wembley - orchestra didn't have the music.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- I was rather angry about that.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- We walked out, - and lined up against England.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Terry Yorath, the captain, said...
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- .."Tell the boys - not to move until I move."
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- I told Leighton Phillips, Leighton - told John Mahoney and Joey Jones.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- God Save The Queen was played - and the England team moved away.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- We stood there, as a team. - It was no more than 15 seconds.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- Ted Croker, the England FA - secretary, tried to get us to move.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- We just stood still. - Then Terry said, "Let's go."
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- It was a small protest.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- But it showed in our game.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- We beat England 1-0.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- That's his seventh goal - for his country.
0:08:17 > 0:08:17- Great.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- Great.- - A kick up their backsides.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- A kick in their balls!
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Say it as it is! - You can edit that out!
0:08:26 > 0:08:32- In 1977, Dai moved from Everton - to play for Wales's oldest club...
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- ..Wrexham.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- He won the Third Division - title in his first season.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- This is when - the club's Welshness was ignited.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- I went to The Turf before - the Wrexham v Barrow game.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- It's where fans - gather before home games.
0:08:54 > 0:09:00- Marc Jones was on the board - of Wrexham Supporters Trust.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- Being so close to the border...
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- ..has strengthened Wrexham's - Welsh identity.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- I think so.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- Back in the 1970s, - the Union Jack flew in the Kop.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Now it's only the Red Dragon.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- People understand they're in Wales. - That's the big difference.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Wrexham is a Welsh club, in - a Welsh town, close to the border.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- We're not a border town any more.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- We don't like Chester! - That defines us, too.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- We're a working-class Welsh town.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- We don't like the English snobs - of Chester!
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- The club has enhanced - the town's Welsh identity.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- I think so. The club is such - an important part of the town.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- The balance has shifted - since the fans took over.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- The fans have a greater sense - of Welsh identity...
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- ..than the previous owners had.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- That has improved matters.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- Perhaps not everyone speaks Welsh.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- But they are just as Welsh.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- People from North West Wales - have to accept that!
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- It's a struggle sometimes.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- We're playing Barrow now. - We'd better go.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31- .
0:10:34 > 0:10:34- Subtitles
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- # Mae hen wlad fy nhadau #
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Dai Davies and the Welsh team's - famous stand in 1977...
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- ..led to us having the right - to sing our anthem in away games.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- It was only a small step...
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- ..on the long and winding path - to defend our identity in the game.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- # Ein gwrol ryfelwyr
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- # Gwladgarwyr tra mad #
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- This ground in Cwmbran - played a pivotal role...
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- ..in one of the most important - events of Welsh football.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- A significant game - was played here in 1993.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- The largest town in Wales makes - its mark on footballing history.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Cwmbran Town played Cork City - in an European fixture.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Could it be the dream start? It is!
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- Despite the fantastic start, - they lost on away goals.
0:11:41 > 0:11:47- But it's not the result that counts, - but what the game represented.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53- It's not the first time a Welsh team - played in an European championship.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Bangor, Wrexham and Cardiff - had played in the Cup Winners Cup.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- But it was the first time - a Welsh team represented Wales...
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- ..in the main European championship, - the European Cup.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- It could only come about - by establishing a national league...
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- ..and that's exactly - what happened in 1992.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- A cynic would say that every - season was like the one before.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- But the next eight months - will be slightly different.
0:12:25 > 0:12:31- The new league was the vision - of the FAW secretary, Alun Evans.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- Twenty Welsh clubs were ordered - to come together to form it.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- But several of them were unwilling.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44- They wanted to continue playing - in the English football pyramid.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- So they appealed against the decree.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- Barry Town, Newport, Bangor City...
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- ..Caernarfon Town, Colwyn Bay, - Rhyl and Newtown...
0:12:56 > 0:12:57- ..be dismissed...
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- ..and the appeal of - Merthyr Tydfil be allowed.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- Eventually, two of those clubs, - Bangor and Newtown, made a U-turn.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- On August 15, 1992...
0:13:10 > 0:13:15- ..the first matches were played - in the Konica League Of Wales.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- That day, - Caersws travelled to Aberystwyth...
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- ..the first club - to put their name on the list.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Twenty three years later...
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- ..I was keen to see...
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- ..if the club's enthusiasm - in 1992 was still evident.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Thomas, Aberystwyth has been - in the league from the start.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- It's worked out very well for you.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Yes. It was win-win - for us as a club.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Five years before - the league began...
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- ..we were a local club.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- We played in the Mid-Wales League - against villages.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- What you see now is not - just a club, but a small business.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- There's a staff of twenty and - a turnover of 300,000 last year.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- So it has certainly - transformed the club.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- Geography has been a factor too.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12- Indeed.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- The club wasn't interested - in playing in England.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- There were several reasons, - like travelling.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- The people running the club - were proud to be Welsh...
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- ..and to be part - of Welsh football identity.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- We're in the league anyway.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- It's good that clubs, - however different their situation...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- ..see the advantages - of being in the league.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- The league has had a direct effect - on the standard of football.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47- Definitely.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- The standard is comparable with - the league under the Conference...
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- ..where Wrexham plays.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- You can judge tonight. I don't know.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- It's difficult, because if the - league had been founded in 1872...
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- ..all the clubs in Wales - would be in it.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Wrexham, Cardiff - and Swansea would be in it.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- It would be like - the situation in Scotland...
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- ..where the big clubs - support the small clubs.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- Clubs would get support in - the away games. We don't get that.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- So it's difficult for the league.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- But that's another point.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- That's a very hot potato, I'm sure.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- I'm sure!
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- Aberystwyth embraced - the new league.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- But Colwyn Bay FC - was one of the Irate Eight...
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- ..as the media called them.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- The club took the FAW to court - and won their case.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- To this day, the Seagulls - play in the English pyramid...
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- ..in the Evo-Stik League - Northern Premier.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00- Yes!
0:16:01 > 0:16:02- Great.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Arwel Clwyd Jones - is a former club treasurer.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07- Brilliant!
0:16:07 > 0:16:08- Brilliant!- - Great.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Colwyn Bay have equalized, against - a very good team, Salford City.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- They were under pressure. - But they got a goal back.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18- Good.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- Colwyn Bay are a tidy team. - Their footwork is good.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- We play very tidy football.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- But we're struggling in the league, - with not enough points.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- It was different when a national - league for Wales was planned.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36- You were flying at the time.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37- You were flying at the time.- - Yes.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38- The seagulls were flying high!
0:16:38 > 0:16:39- The seagulls were flying high!- - Yes!
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- We've been in English - leagues since 1984.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- In eight years, we won - four promotions, or came near.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- We'd have had to take a step back, - which was hard to accept.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- These plans were unexpected.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59- Yes.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- We were playing well and won games.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- It was a cloud above our heads.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- Maybe that was the main reason - you opposed it, not the principle.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11- Yes, and the unfairness.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- The FAW thought they could - put pressure on the small clubs.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- "We won't let them play in England.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24- "But we'll let Wrexham, Swansea - and Cardiff do what they like."
0:17:24 > 0:17:25- There was an element of hypocrisy.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26- There was an element of hypocrisy.- - Yes.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- It wasn't a really national league.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Did the club lose momentum?
0:17:34 > 0:17:35- Yes.
0:17:37 > 0:17:38- Oh!
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- People lose the habit.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43- Yes.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Salford have scored.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- I haven't brought you a lot of luck!
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- How do the supporters feel - about the Welsh League now?
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- Would they like to rejoin?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- I don't think so.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- The subject doesn't come up.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Out of respect - for the teams in it...
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- ..a new team would have to start - at the bottom and work their way up.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- We're certainly - not interested in that.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- So no regrets?
0:18:15 > 0:18:16- None at all.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- Caernarfon FC was another - one of the Irate Eight.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- They had a famous run in the English - FA Cup in the 1986-1987 season.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- Feelings were very strong in 1992.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- # Are you watching?
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- # Are you watching, Welsh FA?
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- # Are you watching, Welsh FA? #
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- I'm glad to tell Mr Alun Evans, - who might be watching...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- ..we won't make a loss tonight - and we'll carry on.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- We're determined that - Mr Alun Evans, the FAW Secretary...
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- ..won't get his own way.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- As a result of their stance...
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- ..Caernarfon, Barry, - Colwyn Bay and Newport...
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- ..had to travel across the border - for their home games.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- We're not stubborn. We haven't - stopped anyone doing anything.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- The league has been formed.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- We're the only four - disadvantaged clubs in Wales...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- ..and the only four - clubs in the world...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- ..prevented from playing - where they want to.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- Today, Marc Roberts and the club's - attitude is slightly different.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- I asked him - about his memories of those days.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- It was quite a novelty - in the first year.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- But after that, some of us, - including me, were tired of it all.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- It was the other side of Manchester.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Curzon Ashton isn't - the nicest place.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48- It's to the east of Manchester.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- It's to the east of Manchester.- - The pitch wasn't great.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- We shared it with Curzon Ashton.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- How many fans went there?
0:19:55 > 0:19:56- Not many.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- A bus at first, but as time went on, - as you can imagine...
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- ..numbers decreased.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- But between 30 and 40 - supported the club every week.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- The club has been back in - the Welsh pyramid for a few years.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- What do people feel - about that time now?
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- Speaking for myself, I'm glad. - It was the right decision.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- Geraint Lloyd Owen - took over as Chair.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- He decided it was - the right way forward for us...
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- ..although we won the court case - about joining the Welsh League.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- I supported what the club did.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- But in the long term, the right - thing for us was to come back.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Feelings ran high.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Even in the town, not everyone - agreed with what the club did.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- We lost a number of supporters. - But it went the other way too.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- When we joined the Welsh League, - some loyal supporters left.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- But slowly, they have returned.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57- In the long run...
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- ..it was a sensible - decision to return.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- We've gained more than we lost.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Whatever the attitude - of some clubs...
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- ..and everyone - is entitled to their opinion...
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- ..founding a national league...
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- ..safeguarded and bolstered - football's identity in Wales.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- Without the league, - we'd be on much shakier ground...
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- ..especially remembering the storm - that arose with Team GB...
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- ..at the London Olympics in 2012.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- If we look back to the 1970s - and 1990s mainly...
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- ..with the growth of football - in places like Africa and Asia...
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- ..and a call for more political - influence in football, in FIFA...
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- ..these countries were perhaps - envious of the influence...
0:21:53 > 0:21:58- ..of countries like Wales, - Northern Ireland and Scotland...
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- ..in the governing body IFAB, - who make the game's rules.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- That status existed - for historical reasons...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- ..not as a result of success.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- It came to a head - at the 2012 London Olympics.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- There was a lot of pressure - to compete as Team GB...
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- ..with a promise - that it would be a one-off.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- In the end, some Welsh players - played in the men's team.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- People felt - it would only happen once.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- But the subject came up again - for the Rio De Janeiro Olympics.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Wales, - Northern Ireland and Scotland...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- ..were strong enough - to withstand this time.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- But this will turn up again, perhaps - especially with the women's team.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50- One thing is sure.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Wales's football fans - wouldn't be seen near a Union Jack.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- We're Welsh, not British, - come what may.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- This is our flag, the Red Dragon...
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- ..Wales's flag.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- It just so happens it's also - the coolest flag in the world.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- Many chapters have been written - in the story of Welsh football.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- But the most exciting chapter - is yet to come.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- This flag has been with me - across Europe over the years.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- It's coming with me - to France next summer too.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- So, until then...
0:23:34 > 0:23:35- ..au revoir!
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:54 > 0:23:55- .