Martyrs commit to the cause

Merthyr Town players have unanimously backed their club, saying: “We’re staying with our Martyrs.”

Their stance is a massive boost for the club, who are at home against Dunstable Town in the EvoStik Southern League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).

The January transfer window, when Welsh Premier League teams can strengthen squads, was always going to be a difficult time for manager Gavin William.

He has stabilised the situation at Merthyr’s Loadlok Community Stadium since a financial crisis rocked the Southern League club and they have suffered only one defeat in their last five Premier Division matches.

It is a major plus that players are sticking with the Martyrs at a time when they are not being paid.

The crisis rocked the Martyrs, but fans, officials and players have shown great pride, spirit, character and togetherness in the way they have fought back.

“I knew this was going to be a difficult month with the transfer window opening for Welsh Premier teams,” said Williams.

“But I am delighted the players have agreed to stay with us. They could have all left and nobody could have blamed them, but they have shown great loyalty to the club”.

“A number of players received good offers from one club, but I don’t think they wanted to get involved in a relegation battle in front of small crowds.”

Ashley Evans, Ian Traylor, Corey Jenkins and Kerry Morgan were all offered terms to play Welsh Premier football, but turned them down and pledged to stay at Merthyr Town.

Adam Davies, Scott Tancock, Jarrad Wright, Miles John, Matthew Harris, Craig Reddy, Jaye Bowen and Ryan Prosser have also agreed to stay and that gives the Martyrs 13 senior outfield players to choose from including player-manager Williams.

“Once again players had offers to go elsewhere, but have agreed to stay,” said Williams. “Adam had a couple of extremely good offers to leave, but it’s great that he has stayed along with the others.

“I would like to thank the players for showing their loyalty by committing themselves to us.”

Source Dai Sport / Terry Phillips