Newport County will welcome Fleetwood Town to Rodney Parade this weekend, and ahead of the match, legendary Welsh football commentator Rob Phillips has selected the five tracks that make up this week’s Matchday Playlist.
With decades of experience following Welsh football, Phillips has put together a varied selection spanning rock, reggae, soul and ska, with a strong Welsh football connection running through the playlist.
Together Stronger (C’mon Wales) | Manic Street Preachers
Kicking things off is the Manic Street Preachers’ Together Stronger (C’mon Wales), the official Wales Euro 2016 anthem.
Released ahead of Wales’ first major tournament appearance in more than half a century, the track became closely associated with Chris Coleman’s memorable side and their historic run to the semi-finals in France.
Can’t Help Falling in Love | UB40
Next up is UB40’s reggae-infused take on the Elvis Presley classic Can’t Help Falling in Love, bringing a more relaxed feel to the playlist.
Once in a Lifetime | Talking Heads
Talking Heads’ iconic Once in a Lifetime keeps the playlist moving, with the 1980s classic providing a change of pace from the opening tracks.
Hard Man Fe Dead | Prince Buster
Phillips then turns to ska legend Prince Buster with Hard Man Fe Dead, adding some Jamaican rhythm and energy to the selection.
Young Hearts Run Free | Candi Staton
Rounding things off is Candi Staton’s soul classic Young Hearts Run Free, giving the playlist an upbeat finale ahead of kick-off.
With five very different tracks making the cut, there is plenty to get the Rodney Parade atmosphere going before Newport County take on Fleetwood Town.
Rob Phillips’ Matchday Playlist
🎵 Together Stronger (C’mon Wales) | Manic Street Preachers
🎵 Can’t Help Falling in Love | UB40
🎵 Once in a Lifetime | Talking Heads
🎵 Hard Man Fe Dead | Prince Buster
🎵 Young Hearts Run Free | Candi Staton
Rob Phillips is a former BBC Wales football correspondent and continues to cover football across Wales. He has regularly provided commentary and analysis on Newport County, including as part of BBC Radio Wales’ coverage.
