A TRIO of Goat Ropers and a village folk club have responded to the call of the beleaguered Lilywhites.

Rhyl Football Club is working in partnership with The Record Journal Management - the promoters behind the successful annual Folk at the Hall festival in Trelawnyd - to hold a special fundraising concert for the club on the Friday, February 28.

The event, which features Rhuddlan trio The Goat Roper Rodeo Band, follows an open meeting on January 5 between the club's supporters, managing director Adam Roche and club chairman Paul Higginson to discuss the financial issues. Fans were asked to identify potential companies or businesses that may be able to offer financial assistance.

The Record Journal director Kelda Manley, who attends games with her father Lawrence Manley, said: "I've been a football fan all my life and last year I went along to a Rhyl Football Club game for the first time and I was hooked. I think I've only missed two games since, home and away.

"As soon as I became aware of the troubles facing the club I wanted to see if I could get involved and help out."

Rhyl Journal:

Rhyl FC fan and The Record Journal director Kelda Manley

All of the proceeds from the event will go towards the The JD Cymru North club, which is currently striving to regain its place in the topflight of Welsh football. Among the issues hampering the team's progress on and off the pitch is the upkeep of the club's home since 1899, the Educate Group Stadium, which due to current leasing arrangements is costing the side about £4,000 monthly before funding the squad.

Rhyl FC currently has an offer to buy the club outright, in a bid to restructure costs and make improvements to reduce expenditure long term.

Miss Manley added: "There's the same community aspect with music and sport and we're hoping that we can link the two and put on some great shows together."

Taking to the stage for the first event is country three piece The Goat Rope Rodeo band, who in 2019 had the distinction of supporting Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland on tour and later this month will be playing the prestigious AmericanafestUK UK Festival and Conference in London.

A spokesperson for the band said: "It’s amazing to be able to help towards supporting Rhyl FC. We love the game and helping raise invaluable funds for the club is a no-brainer.”

A spokesperson for the club said: "We are delighted to work with The Record Journal for the forthcoming Goat Roper Rodeo Band event and to look at other options of how we can work together with Kelda.

"A lot of supporters are looking forward to the gig and it should be a great night. The club relies on volunteers for its operations and we always welcome offers of support to help the club move forward.

"The event will be held at the club bar, and with the Band kindly agreeing to offer their services to the Club for the evening, it is hoped that the evening will be a night of great live music whilst also helping to bring in much needed funding."

Tickets are £10 - plus booking fee - to book click here.