The fight to save Merthyr Town FC is gaining momentum with Swansea City and Cardiff City throwing their weight behind the cause.
The Martyrs are facing a financial crisis and the Welsh football community are backing their fight for survival.
The Dial M For The Merthyr lads raised an amazing £1,254.50 from a bucket collection at The Liberty Stadium when Manchester City were visitors this week – and they are at the Bluebirds game this weekend.
Cardiff are playing Hull City at home in the Championship (5.30pm) and a group of Martyrs fans have been given the go-ahead for a collection.
Club supporters will also be gathering at Merthyr Leisure Centre this Friday at a local boxing event to raise funds.
Manager Gavin Williams and his team make the near 400-miles round trip to King’s Langley for a Southern League match on Saturday (3pm).
Martyrs fans remain in good hear and had their annual Christmas jumper trip to St Neots last weekend when 70 supporters made the trip. The bus full of fans dressed as Santa, elves and even a snowman made their way to support the team.
Williams fielded a mixture of senior and youth players, but one fan on the trip said: “This is our club, our town and as supporters we back whoever plays for Merthyr Town FC.
“The current situation has presented a great opportunity for the young lads to gain exposure at this level and so far they have all given 100 per cent.
“As fans we realise that sadly due to old board failings the club is in a real financial predicament. The future may be closure unless sufficient funds are raised or relegation this season or next unless the due to be newly elected board in 2018 get things right.
“It is a critical time in the history of Merthyr Town and sad to see the current squad dismantled and club face financial ruin.
“But while there is hope there is optimism. We have some good people at Merthyr and many will now look to step up at election time and try to find a way to ensure this does not happen again.
“There was a sense of defiance on the bus home and to quote Welsh folk singer Dafydd Iwan ‘Yma O Hyd’ – this club is still here and as fans we will fight to the end to ensure that football remains to be played at Merthyr.
St Neots manager Matt Clements summed up the day, saying: “Huge praise and admiration for Merthyr’s team and fans.
“There are not many clubs at this level where people would that support and commitment to their team in the circumstances.
“They are a true credit to non-League football.”
Looking ahead to the Boxing Day home match against Hereford FC, Merthyr need extra stewards on the grandstand gates, general stewards inside and outside the stadium, car park attendants, programme sellers, 50/50 ticket sales and general helping throughout the day.
A meeting of volunteers will be held on Tuesday, December 19 before the home match against Basingstoke Town. It will be in Webley’s Bar at 7pm.
Anybody interested contact Julian Axhorn on (07956 553370).
Merthyr Town fixtures in December:
Saturday 16 v Kings Langley (away); Tuesday 19 v Basingstoke Town (home);
Saturday 23 v King’s Lynn Town (home); Tuesday 26 v Hereford (home, 1pm kick-off).
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 now 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.