Farewell to the great Robert ‘Popsey’ Griffiths – an all-time Denbigh Town FC legend

The town of Denbigh and its football club has lost a true legend.
Robert ‘Popsey’ Griffiths, a true gentleman of the game, has passed away aged 87.
Known best for his countless years of involvement with Denbigh Town Football Club, Popsey was a former player, manager, committee member and Life President. He had an affinity with Central Park lasting more than seven decades.
A true legend of not only the football club, but the town itself, he embodied the true spirit of Denbigh and was loved and respected by all who had the honour to meet him.
His connection with the football club began as a boy, making his debut for the reserves aged just 15 before being called up for the first team months later.
He went on to trial with Blackpool, representing their ‘A’ team and in 2017 he remarked, “My claim to fame is that the great Sir Stanley Matthews once watched me play”.
Popsey went on to represent the likes of Rhyl, Ruthin, Colwyn Bay and Rhuddlan.

Following his playing days, he went on to manage Denbigh Town’s first team, along with spells with the Reserves and established the development side, known as Denbigh Albion.
He dedicated himself to the club in all capacities and was a well-known face to all who entered the gates at Central Park by manning the turnstiles and offering the warmest welcome you’ll find in Welsh Football.
Popsey was a regular at club events. Just three years ago he was at a presentation evening to hand former women’s team manager Ellen Lawson the Clubperson of the Year award. Ellen was the first-ever woman to win the award.
Town until the end, even in his final hours, Popsey remarked to those beside him how Denbigh was ‘his number one team’. He passed peacefully this morning with a view of the ground from his window, surrounded by family.
Always active, Popsey’s passion for the game continued into his late 70s, where he still played walking football, before eventually hanging up his boots.
His impact will forever be felt both on and off the pitch, attending committee meetings dominated by plans for the future and the redevelopment of Central Park. Popsey’s input will be felt by everyone who visits for generations to come.
A club statement said: “Denbigh Town Football Club mourns a true icon of our town and will forever be indebted to Popsey for a lifetime of incredible dedication.
“We also pass on our deepest condolences to Popsey’s family and friends at such a difficult time.
“Rest In Peace, Popsey.”

Grassroots North Wales – Dave Jones tribute

I was a reporter in Denbigh from 1988-98 on a newspaper called the Vale Advertiser.
I regularly worked with Popsey on club stories, including during his management stints with the reserves and Albion sides.
Always a gentleman, kind and articulate, he was a joy to work with, impossible to dislike.
Back in 1993, I formed a Denbigh Town All-Stars team to take on Ysgol Twm o’r Nant in a game to raise funds for the school.
Popsey would have been in his early 50s then, but was very keen to be involved and put in a good stint for my team in a match played at Central Park which finished 3-3.
After I moved to work in Rhyl in 1998, so my links with Denbigh eroded, yet in future years I would still run into Popsey at various games.
He was always the same, extremely friendly, never using swear words and highly knowledgeable on all things Denbigh Town.
From reading the club’s tribute, his involvement with DTFC went on for many more years into the new millennium and he remained a devoted fan right until the end.
The town, and the football club, has lost so many great people over the years. They will be treasured forever.

For his longevity, loyalty and enthusiasm for the club he loved unconditionally, Popsey Griffiths might just go down as the biggest Denbigh Town legend of them all.

God bless you Popsey – there will never be another like you.