By Terry Phillips
Former Cardiff City youth goalkeeper Kelland Absalom has joined Southern League Merthyr Town for the 2020-21 season.
Manager Gavin Williams has signed the international age-group keeper for the Martyrs to replace Alex Harris, who has moved on.
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Kelland to the club,” said Williams.
“He will be a great asset to us and I look forward to working with him soon.”
Absalom, 22, has played for Wales at under-16 and under-17 level, while he has also spent time playing for Swedish Premier League clubs Ostersunds FK – former Swansea City manager Graham Potter’s old club – in the Allsvenskan.
He has also featured for Haverfordwest County and Pontardawe Town.
The arrival of Absalom is a major boost for Merthyr, who have seen long-serving striker Ian Traylor, centre-forward Gethyn Hill and midfield player Lee Lucas leave the club since the BetVictor Southern Premier was halted prematurely.
Merthyr chairman Howard King says: “On behalf of the directors and supporters of Merthyr Town FC, I would like to say how disappointed we are at the departure of Ian Traylor.
“He has given 10 fantastic years to this club and has scored some incredible goals in his time. He will be extremely hard to replace, but I wish him every success at Penybont FC.
“It’s breaking his heart going, but he received a great offer which he couldn’t turn down.”
Manager Williams said: “I’m absolutely gutted to lose a player of his quality.
“He is a natural goalscorer and a fantastic player. He will go down as one of the best players in the club’s history and I would like to thank him for everything he has done.”
Traylor scored 195 goals in 423 appearances for Merthyr having made his debut against Odd Down during 2011-12.
Former Cardiff City youth forward Hill left after making a total of 21 appearances for the club.
Manager Gavin Williams said: “Unfortunately, Geth has been offered a move which he couldn’t turn down.
“We are doing everything we can to keep our players, but our budget can’t match many other sides currently. I would like to thank Gethyn for his time at the club and wish him well for the future.”
Lucas, an ex-Motherwell and Swansea City player, spent two seasons at the Martyrs and made 62 appearances.
Merthyr were 13th in the Southern Premier table when the season was called off after they had played 31 fixtures.
Truro City were top at that stage, while Walton Casuals, Beaconsfield Town and Dorchester Town were in the relegation positions.