Ammanford AFC link with Arsenal F.C.

Well the 2020 FA Cup Final will certainly go down in history. An enforced non attendance at Wembley (the home of English Football) for such a prestigious event seemed strange to all involved. The real threat of Coronavirus meant that safety was paramount and supporters were restricted to watching the game on their televisions either with crowd sound effects or just the hollow sounds from within the vast arena. The final was contested between two London teams Arsenal v Chelsea

One Ammanford viewer was glued to his TV screen and there was no doubt which London Club he was supporting. The Club he was cheering on were chasing their record 14th FA Cup win! His name is Anthony Rees, a very active member, who is involved in the hierarchy of Ammanford AFC who play in the JD Cymru South League. Anthony was a former Ammanford AFC Captain, a natural leader. Anthony is pictured here in this Ammanford AFC team photo in 1990 – he is centre front row in sitting position with the football at his feet.

So I can hear you asking why was he calling on the Gunners? Well Anthony has a very strong connection with Arsenal football club.

He is pictured above – sitting in the front row with a young Tony Adams standing behind him.
For those who don’t know who Tony Adams is then all I’d say is ask any Gooner and simply they would tell you that he was and is an Arsenal and England legend. I am sure Piers Morgan would confirm this if anyone cared to tweet him! Also pictured in this Arsenal team are a few more, Arsenal and England legends. Martin Keown, a no messing central defender and now a TV pundit. Michael Thomas-who remembers that eventful evening at Anfield ?? David Rocastle another very talented player sadly no longer with us. Martin Hayes another Arsenal first teamer who did come to play for Swansea City at the Vetch Field. So you can see that Anthony’s pedigree was up there with the best. You had to be good to be scouted by Arsenal!So imagine the delight of Anthony when the final whistle blew and Arsenal had achieved the record 14 wins and gained entry to next season’s Europa Cup. When I asked Anthony about Arsenal’s win he said. “Fantastic achievement for Arteta to win FA Cup in his first season as Arsenal manager and being the first to win as captain and manager of this great club. I think he is a perfect fit for the club, young and hungry for success. The FA Cup is still a major honour and any trophy won today with the likes of Liverpool and Man City up against you is a major success. Winning a trophy in his first season will take a bit of pressure from him and the club. 14 FA Cups and beating one of your main rivals, Awesome”

So you can see that Ammanford AFC certainly have within their ranks a man who had simply mixed with the best in his time at the Arsenal!!