Merthyr Town players have unanimously backed their club, saying: “We’re staying with our Martyrs.”
Their stance is a massive boost for the club, who are at home against Dunstable Town in the EvoStik Southern League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).
The January transfer window, when Welsh Premier League teams can strengthen squads, was always going to be a difficult time for manager Gavin William.
He has stabilised the situation at Merthyr’s Loadlok Community Stadium since a financial crisis rocked the Southern League club and they have suffered only one defeat in their last five Premier Division matches.
It is a major plus that players are sticking with the Martyrs at a time when they are not being paid.
The crisis rocked the Martyrs, but fans, officials and players have shown great pride, spirit, character and togetherness in the way they have fought back.
“I knew this was going to be a difficult month with the transfer window opening for Welsh Premier teams,” said Williams.
“But I am delighted the players have agreed to stay with us. They could have all left and nobody could have blamed them, but they have shown great loyalty to the club”.
“A number of players received good offers from one club, but I don’t think they wanted to get involved in a relegation battle in front of small crowds.”
Ashley Evans, Ian Traylor, Corey Jenkins and Kerry Morgan were all offered terms to play Welsh Premier football, but turned them down and pledged to stay at Merthyr Town.
Adam Davies, Scott Tancock, Jarrad Wright, Miles John, Matthew Harris, Craig Reddy, Jaye Bowen and Ryan Prosser have also agreed to stay and that gives the Martyrs 13 senior outfield players to choose from including player-manager Williams.
“Once again players had offers to go elsewhere, but have agreed to stay,” said Williams. “Adam had a couple of extremely good offers to leave, but it’s great that he has stayed along with the others.
“I would like to thank the players for showing their loyalty by committing themselves to us.”
A number of youth players have also shown great promise and gained in experience when they have had their chance.
Goalkeeper Oliver Davies and Cameron Clarke are both in the squad for Saturday’s clash with Dunstable, the first fixture on a busy weekend at Loadlok Stadium with the ladies and development teams also in action.
The New Years day’s win at Frome was Merthyr’s first victory since they beat Stratford Town during October.
Second half goals by skipper Evans and Traylor saw the Martyrs come from behind to gain an important victory after a number of draws and narrow defeats since the club crisis was revealed.
Jarrad Wright, Jaye Bowen and Corey Jenkins return to the squad, while Ryan Prosser is set to miss out after sustaining an injury at Frome.
Visitors Dunstable are in 23rd place, having earned nine points from 27 games. They have improved since the 6-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture back in August and Merthyr can expect a tougher game against a side battling to avoid relegation.
They have won one of their 14 away matches, which was at Banbury United on Boxing Day.
Merthyr Town: Oliver Davies, Cameron Clarke, Adam Davies, Miles John, Liam Martin, Jarrad Wright, Scott Tancock, Matthew Harris, Ashley Evans, Craig Reddy, Harrison Lewis, Jaye Bowen, Kerry Morgan, Corey Jenkins, Ian Traylor, Jacob Flower, Gavin Williams.
Saturday marks the Launch of Merthyr’s Red Flag Bar (1pm). FA Cup football will be on the screen with DJ Phil the Mod providing the post match music.
There will be a buffet at 1pm and Red Flag Martyrs would like everybody to join them for the opening.
On Sunday, January 7, Merthyr Ladies have a derby match against Aberdare Town (2pm kick-off). Admission is free.
Merthyr Town’s development team than play Llanelli Town at home on Monday, January 8 (7.30pm).
It is their first match since the winter break and admission is free.