Welshman Ben Swallow, a former Cardiff City trainee, has rejoined Merthyr Town and is set to play in their opening pre-season fixture against Swansea City on Saturday.
The match against young Swans will be played at Merthyr’s MetCoaches Stadium (3pm)
Left-winger Swallow, aged 29, spent seven years in the Bluebirds Academy, while he has played first team football for Bristol Rovers, York City and Newport County.
The Barry-born player signed for the Martyrs on loan from Weston-super-Mare last season, making 10 appearances.
Swallow, a Wales semi-pro international, has also played for Taunton Town, Bridgwater Town, Chippenham Town, Mangotsfield United, Bath City, Bromley, Dartford, Havant and Margate.
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He was with Newport when they were promoted to the Football League in 2013, scoring twice in 23 appearances, although he was not in the matchday squad when Newport won the Conference Premier play-off final against Wrexham at Wembley Stadium.
Merthyr have signed six new players for the 2019-20 and they are Swallow, goalkeepers Cameron Clarke and Alex Harris, Jamie Bird, Lewis Binns plus Gethyn Hill.
The Martyrs have also snapped up former Manchester United and Cardiff City player Derek Brazil.
The Irish International will be guest speaker at the MetCoaches Stadium on Friday, August 30.
During his career Brazil made more 200 appearances in the Football League and represented Republic of Ireland at youth and B levels.
After being spotted playing football in his home country, Brazil joined the youth system at Manchester United, making two league appearances for the first-team.
He later captained the United’s reserve side.
Brazil had loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Swansea City before leaving Old Trafford on a permanent basis in August 1992, joining Cardiff City for a fee of £85,000.
In his first season at Ninian Park, he helped the side win the Third Division title and the Welsh Cup and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club before moving into non-league football with Newport County.
Tickets for an evening with Derek Brazil cost £20. On the night there will be refreshments available which include chicken curry and chips. Tickets available from Wayne on 0785276947 or Richard on 07852950486.
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Merthyr Town pre-season fixtures:
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)