Former Wales under-21 international Eliot Richards is back at Merthyr Town on Boxing Day.
Richards, from New Tredegar, will be in the Hereford team for their match against the Martyrs at Loadlok Community Stadium (1pm).
It is Merthyr’s final match of 2017 and they are expecting a huge attendance with 1,000-plus fans following Hereford to South Wales.
This is the game Merthyr have been eagerly awaiting since their financial crisis became public and it will easily be their biggest attendance of the season.
Richards is rated one of the best players in Southern League football by Merthyr manager Gavin Williams and he was a hugely influential player for the Welsh club earlier this season.
Former Tranmere Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Tampa Bay Rowdies player Richards was among those who moved on when it became clear the Martyrs were no longer able to pay their players this season.
Williams, certainly, has a lot of time for Richards and says: “He’s a central midfield/attacking player who is one of the best in this league. I rate him that highly.”
Richards scored his first goal for Hereford in a 3-1 win at Kettering Town and the Bulls won 3-1 at Chesham United on Saturday, victories which means they are six points off top spot with four games in hand.
“It was good to get off the mark and earn the three points,” said Richards.
“Hereford are a big club and they have the momentum of winning games.
“It will be nice to go back and see some familiar faces at Merthyr Town.
“I don’t know the full details of what’s gone on there, but it was a sad situation the club was in. Hopefully they can get back on their feet.”
Richards is joined in the Hereford team by fellow former Martyrs Keyon Reffell. ex-Wales international Ryan Green and Tredegar-born Garyn Preen.
Peter Beadle is the Hereford manager and his assistant is former Martyrs team boss Steve Jenkins.
It’s been a difficult spell for Merthyr over the last month or so, but the clash with Hereford will bring in much needed funds.
Williams has stabilised things on the pitch and is able to field a competitive team.
The Martyrs pushed Premier Division leaders King’s Lynn all the way in the last match and were unfortunate to lose 1-0 despite having Jarrad Wright sent off early in the second half.
An interim board has been elected at Merthyr Town and a club statement says: “After analysing the financial records, the interim board at Merthyr Town FC can announce the current debt is £90,000 (including a £30,000 overdraft)
“The figures were released at a special general meeting last night in Romans.
“Owners were taken through an analysis of the board’s findings with an outlook until April next year.
“We are currently taking an in-depth financial review within the whole structure of the club in order to increase cost saving where possible.
“A proposal was made for the interim board to remain until the end of April, which was unanimously voted for by the owners present.
“Looking ahead the club are working with the local authority on a strategic plan to try and deal with the issues stated.
“It was mentioned during the meeting that Merthyr Town will be relying on volunteers to help in any way they can and all fans are encouraged to come forward with any ideas with regards to events, functions and proposals for use of our facilities.
“The efforts that have been made off the field by supporters have been outstanding and moving forward we all need to work collectively to try and get our football club through this current predicament.”
Merthyr Town normal admission: Adult £10; Concessions £8 (Over 65’s, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County season ticket holders); Merthyr RFC season ticket holders £5; Under 16 £1.
The Martyrs have half season tickets on sale. They are priced at (£87.50 for adults, £75 seniors).
A half season ticket entitles fans to a match ticket to the Hereford match.