RHYL FC can draw inspiration from another nearby club as they look to begin a new era.

The Lilywhites formally began winding up proceedings last week due to their inability to secure the funds needed to continue into next season. This has left the town reeling and 141 years’ history now condemned to the records.

There has been talk of a new phoenix club rising from the ashes of this devastating situation, which has already received the support of Dr James Davies, Vale of Clwyd MP, who has vowed to do all he can to ensure the project gets off to a good start.

Although the situation between themselves and Bangor 1876 is far different, it is something they can look to as to what can be achieved in a relatively short space of time.

The Gwynedd League’s champions-elect have enjoyed a sensational first season after a section of the Bangor City fanbase decided to form their own club following their disillusionment with the way the Citizens’ were being run.

This has seen the club become a huge community presence in a short space of time, and they have ambitious plans for the future.

Bangor 1876 did land on their feet somewhat with the university facilities, and this is something they have put to extremely good use. Rhyl will not have anything like this and one of the main priorities will be securing a new place to call home and build from the ground up.

Much will also be dependant on the level of support any new club in Rhyl will receive. Crowds have dwindled in recent years and any phoenix club will need the community rallying around them in order to maximise its potential.

This is something Bangor 1876 have enjoyed in spades. Hundreds attend their games and they are one of the best-supported clubs anywhere in the domestic game. This has been a huge contributing factor in their success since their inception and is another cause for great encouragement long-term.

Another thing Bangor 1876’s hard-working volunteers have secured is plenty of sponsorship. Rhyl fans will be all-too-aware of the financial elements of a club following the demise of the Lilywhites and they will need local businesses to get behind their upcoming plans.

There are a number of fan-owned clubs across the country, which is further evidence of the current state of affairs in the domestic game. Rhyl supporters might still be mourning the loss of one of Wales’ most storied clubs, but they only have to look at Bangor 1876 as to what can be achieved with hard work, dedication and a real desire to bring football back into the heart of the community.

That is easier said than done in the current climate. But a town like Rhyl deserves a team to be proud of and it will be up to their passionate supporters to make this happen.

Examining how Bangor 1876 achieved their objectives would be a good place to start, and no doubt the Gwynedd club would be only too happy to assist in any way.