Former FC Hereford goalkeeper Alex Harris has joined EvoStik Southern Premier club Merthyr Town for the 2019-20 season.
Welshman Harris, who has earned two Southern League South and West titles, says: “It’s a great feeling joining Merthyr Town and being Welsh myself makes it even better.
“I’ve always looked out for their results and they have been a game I’ve looked forward to playing in whenever we’ve played one another.
“After just coming off the back of a great season with Cinderford, I cannot wait to get stuck into the next one and it’s always more exciting entering a new league season with a new club. I’m really looking forward to the new challenge that lies ahead.”
Harris, aged 27, played for Cinderford Town last season and helped the Forest of Dean club finish fifth to qualify for the play-offs. They defeated Cirencester in the semi-finals before being edged out 3-1 in the final.
https://twitter.com/Cinderford_Town/status/1138876078745931777
“Alex brings a great wealth of experience to the side after the spells he’s had at a top level with the likes of Hereford, Cinderford and Gloucester City,” says manager Gavin Williams. “I’m really looking forward to working with Alex and the rest of the squad ahead of the fast approaching season in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier.”
The Martyrs have had a variety of goalkeepers over the last few seasons and at one stage defender Jarrad Wright took the gloves because of an injury crisis.
Joe Perry, teenager Ed Hewitson, Glyn Garner, Cameron Clarke, Scott Reed and Oliver Davies are among other goalies to have played. Hewitson, a promising young ‘keeper who has come through the Merthyr Academy, is likely to be involved again in the coming season.
Harris is a second summer signing for manager Williams, who has also recruited former Cardiff City and Hereford striker Gethyn Hill.
All home games at the MetCoaches Stadium, Merthyr Tydfil.
The Martyrs start their pre-season fixtures against Swansea City under-23s at the MetCoaches Stadium on Saturday, July 6.
A week later the Martyrs will take on Abercwmboi in an Alzheimer’s Charity Match, also at home.
Merthyr take on Welsh League Division One team Cwmbran Celtic at the MetCoaches Stadium on Tuesday, July 16.
The Martyrs follow that game with a trip to the Welsh capital as they take on manager Christian Edwards’ Cardiff Met.
Manager Mike Flynn takes his Newport County team to Merthyr on Tuesday, July 23 before hosting newly-promoted Penydarren BGC visit the MetCoaches two days later.
Williams takes his squad on a bonding weekend away in Leicester when the Martyrs will take on Harborough Town FC in a friendly at the Harborough Community Ground on Saturday, July 27.
Merthyr have a home game against newly promoted JD Welsh Premier League side Penybont FC on Friday, August 2.
2019/20 SEASON TICKET INFO | season tickets for the upcoming season are available on the club website. Please click https://t.co/0aIhKubBQF for more info. Thank you for your continued support.
— The Martyrs (@MerthyrTownFC) June 2, 2019
Pre-season fixtures for Merthyr Town FC
July
Saturday 6 v Swansea City Under-23s (Home, 3pm)
Saturday 13 v Abercwmboi (Home, 3pm). Alzheimer’s charity match
Tuesday 16 v Cwmbran Celtic (Home, 7.30pm)
Saturday 20 v Cardiff Met (Away, 2pm)
Tuesday 23 v Newport County (Home, 7.30pm)
Thursday 25 v Penydarren BGC (Home, 7.30pm)
Saturday, 27 v Harborough Town (Away, 3pm)
Wednesday 31 v Aberfan (Away, kick-off TBC)
August
Friday 2 v Penybont FC (Home, 7:30pm)
The Football Association have confirmed when Merthyr Town FC will kick-off their Emirates FA Cup and Buildbase FA Trophy campaigns.
Merthyr will enter the FA Cup at the first round qualifying stage Saturday, September 7.
They will start in the Buildbase FA Trophy in the first round qualifying on Saturday, October 26, in the First Round Qualifying.
After club trials, Merthyr Town are pleased to invite the following players to represent Merthyr Town Academy for the 2019-20 season for their respective age groups.
155 boys attended @MerthyrTownFC Academy trials over the last three days.
Travelling from places all over South East Wales including Gwent, Neath and Powys. pic.twitter.com/zwEuGCyZFf— Wandering (@WanderingMartyr) June 10, 2019
Merthyr Town Academy players
Under 9
Alfie Price
Cohen Evans
Mason Healey
Ollie Windmill
Shogun Scrivens
Korey Mason
Luke Edwards
Ioan Vale
Charlie Joll
Michaili Galea
Ralphy Mapp
Under 10
Toby Hall
Jesse Jones
Joel Hewitt
William George
Jayden Davies
Jake Thomson
Ruben Fisher
Finley Blenkinsop-Clarke
Alfie Davies
Under 11
Efan Bowd
Gwion Ellis
Carrick Withers
Rueban Lackman-Jones
Mitchell Glover-Mcbeth
Morgan Vaughan
Max Horsman
Jack Thomas
Cellan Castardi
Brian Probert
Daniel Richards
Under 12
Dylan Stephens
Osian Goldsworthy
Morgan Evans
Finley Morris
Kellan Morgan
Caleb Withers
Harry Greenland
Jack Lewis
Under 13
Mitchell Davies
Logan Walker
Toby Clay
Jayden Smith
Ethan Wilfort
Keilan Burke
Morgan Ellis
Finley Parry-Rees
Under 14
Harri Griffiths
Rowan Donovan
Samuel Williams
Liam Hall
Dilan Roberts
Curtis Morgan
Callum Goldsworthy
Under 15
Brad Cox
Tariq Rees
Lewis Thompson
Ryan Jones
Morgan Jones
Iestyn Davies
Under 16
Morgan Barlow
Morgan Rees
Kallum Thomas
Connor James
Thomas Louis Seaborne
Dylan Robinson
Iwan Surian-Holder
Cameron Williams
Sion Barnett
Jack Meredith
Under 19s/Development Team
Harvey Mohamed
Rhys Bevan
Taylor Marsh
Ewan Skuse
Aaron Tyner