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FFORD FRED KEENOR: COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE

CITY LEGEND HONOURED

One of Cardiff’s most famous sons will be commemorated with the unveiling of a road named in his honour this weekend.

Cardiff City’s FA Cup winning captain, Fred Keenor, will be recognised for the massive part he played in the capital’s history when the road leading to Cardiff City Stadium is renamed Ffordd Fred Keenor.

Cardiff Council deputy leader, Cllr Neil McEvoy will be joined by former Welsh internationals and Bluebirds favourites, Nathan Blake and Phil Dwyer and Fred Keenor’s nephew Graham Keenor for the unveiling of the road sign on the drive that leads to the Bluebirds’ ground, off Leckwith Road.

The unveiling will take place on Saturday, December 4 at 2pm ahead of high-flying City’s Championship clash with Preston North End at 3pm.

Cardiff-born Keenor famously led Cardiff City to glory and lifted the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium in 1927 after the Bluebirds beat Arsenal 1-0 to become the only team outside of England to win the coveted trophy.

Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Neil McEvoy, said: “I am a massive Cardiff City fan so for me, personally, it is a great honour to be involved in a project that honours one of the greatest players in the club’s history and indeed, someone who has played a huge part in Cardiff’s history as a city.

“It’s amazing that it has taken 83 years for his contribution to be recognised. I’m delighted that we do now have a lasting tribute to this Cardiff hero and I’m really looking forward to the day in the not too distant future when a statue in his honour is erected in the city. The big conclusion from this is that football is no longer the Cinderella sport in terms of civic recognition.”

Fred’s nephew, Graham Keenor, said: “I’m very excited about the naming of this road after Fred. It’s wonderful to finally have recognition for my uncle and his family. It’s also really great for all Cardiff City fans.

“I regularly keep in contact with Fred’s only surviving son, Bryn, who is 83 and lives in Tunbridge Wells, about developments here regarding commemorating his father. It’s absolutely tremendous for him and he is very grateful.”

The Council has also thrown its support behind the plan to build a statue in honour of Keenor and has pledged £15,000 to the appeal to raise funds for the project.

THE TRUST AND THE HOUSE OF SPORT

Members of the Trust board were invited to the official opening of the new House of Sport facilities last week, along with dignatories from Cardiff council , representatives of the firms involved in its construction, the media, players including Craig Bellamy and Jay Bothroyd, ex-Academy players including Adam Matthews and manager Dave Jones. Also present of course was Steve Borley, who has been instrumental in the whole House of Sport development.
The new House of Sport facility is extremely impressive , especially as it was built in the incredibly short time scale of 14 weeks. Not only is there a full size 60m x 40 m 3G artificial pitch playing area (the most up to date available) , but also changing , shower and toilet facilities , a parents` viewing area , a break-out refreshment area and a teaching/coaching room facility as well as ancilliary office accomodation.
The facility is available not just for CCFC Academy use to enable the club`s Academy status to be preserved, but also for community use by local clubs and organisations. On opening day, there were a number of schools competing in a Community Cup competition.
The Trust is proud to have been asked to be involved in working with Steve and the CCFC Community teams to explore how to maximise the benefit of these facilities for the local community. Watch this space for further developments.

FFORDD FRED KEENOR UNVEILING ON SATURDAY

The Fred Keenor Statue Appeal Committee has been informed that the road sign in honour of the captain of Cardiff City’s 1927 FA Cup winning team will be unveiled before the Preston game.

We have been told that the unveiling will take place at 2pm and Nathan Blake has been asked to do the honours.

The naming on the road, which is the main entrance into the stadium from Leckwith Road,  is particularly appropriate as it also leads to the site of the proposed statue to Fred Keenor.

Can we also draw fans attention to the request by Councillor Neil McEvoy, Deputy Leader of Cardiff council, who is  seeking suggestions for the name of the road which leads to the adjoining retail park. For further information see https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/12/01/council-want-to-name-road-after-bluebirds-legend-91466-27746363/