The red wall is assembling itself like a well organised lego kit ready for construction, it is slowly finding its space in the hotels and accommodation offered to followers of the most unlikely World Cup country in possibly sixty four years. We say that with our tongues in our cheeks but of course since the days of Jimmy Murphy in 58’ there hasn’t been such fervour and anticipation as we feel this morning.

The main focus is Dubai, a more lenient and open society built on a few ex pat values with the often criticised regime run now by overall ruler and prime minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is a multii billionaire in the top ten of the royalty rich list, and is a major mover in the worlds financial markets. Much of the red wall have assembled in Dubai, many supporters choosing that location for their holiday, and then flying in to Doha for Wales three group games. Last night dancing through the air were heard the beautiful strains of ‘Yma o Hyd’ across its gentle and warm streets. This money driven land which many had not heard of until 1971 is an ex UK protectorate, and now a part of the United Arab Emirates.

The RIU Dubai hotel is packed, it’s hot and its full of red wall devotees, mingled in with Argentinians. The echoes from McCafferty's Pub in Jumeirah Village begin to float across the night sky. The Barry Horns and many other proud Welsh folk gathered together in a ticketed sell out bar. Hundreds more wanted access as the over priced beers were downed and the celebrations began.

We see flags from all corners of Wales from Swansea to Flint and Cardigan to Caerphilly. The Ton Pentre bluebirds are dancing and signing with the Ton Pentre Jacks, that’s how much this historical occasion can open borders, those borders which have been pretty much together, and apparently stronger since 2016 in France.

The Jack Pack, and there’s a few faces there some will recognise, Uppa Swans ! © Swansea Independent

Notable faces from Swansea City’s past mingle with the red wall, those that saved the swans and took them to the premier league are present. This is a time for everyone. We have all waited, longing and hoping for these times. It may well be in the heat of the desert nearly five thousand miles from home, but now it is home. A red wall home. Today is the day this Cymru side venture into what is unchartered waters this century, plus forty two years. Some three thousand five hundred hardy celtic souls will bear witness to this momentous occasion. Brought together by place of birth, parentage or family ties, this is the day.

Come this evening the roar will be real, and the past will be put right where it needs to be, behind us. It won’t be forgotten, oh no, but these are todays memories for the next how many years ? Another four, or will it be sixty four ? Who knows ?

Today we are still here, today we race with speed, we run so fast in spite of everything and everyone. Red shirted warriors will represent our hearts today, this is our dawn breaking, and despite the blackness around us, we are still here !

Yma o Hyd Cymru am Byth !

Photographs ©Swansea Independent

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