Monday 27 December 2010

Candac Suite Exhibition Open


The refurbishment of the Candac Suite at Penydarren Park has been completed. This is a completion of the first stage of the return to our historical home. The design of the Candac Suite has included many of the prints from the successful community arts day from last season, iconic shots of former players Chris Holvey and John Charles are supplemented by an impressive Warhol-esque print of four international players with links to our town.

(Top left) - Bryn Jones, born in Penyard on 2nd February 1912, who won 17 caps for Wales scoring 6 goals too.

For a player who was to become the most expensive footballer in Britain, Bryn Jones had a remarkably circuitious entry into league soccer. From local football in Merthyr he was given a trial by Southend, where his brother Emlyn played, and by Swansea. Bryn was unsuccessful and joined Glenavon in the Irish League before returning to South Wales to play for Aberaman. He was seen by a Wolves scout and moved to the Molineux club for a fee of £1,500. In a matter of weeks he had made his league debut and his brilliant displays earned him headline notices in the sporting press.

Bryn was a splendid ball player, lithe and elusive and with the ability to turn defences inside out. He excelled at creating openings seemingly out of nothing and could open up a defence with his long penetrating passes. in 1938, he became the sporting sensation of the year when he joined Arsenal for the then record fee of £14,000. He had played 163 times for Wolves scoring 52 goals in the process, however the fact that Bryn was one of the few people to stand up to Wolves manager Major Buckley may have been a contributory factor in the club's decision to sell. Nonetheless, the size of the fee staggered the sporting world. The attendant publicity proved a heavy burden for Bryn and affected his play. Arsenal manager George Allison thought a spell in the second string might help Bryn but there was non respite from the publicity and 33,000 turned up to see his debut for the reserves! It was not until Arsenal's scandinavian tour of 1939 that he began to recover his form.

During the War, Jones served in the 34th Light AA Regiment in North Africa and Italy but continued to play football regularly. In fact he supplemented his 17 official appearances for Wales with 8 war-time appearances for his country. In 1949 he joined Norwich City as a player coach but a chest condition resulted in him retiring on medical grounds eighteen months later. Bryn ended his connection with the game and took a newsagent and confectionery business in Stoke Newington, North London.

Bryn died in Wood Green, London on 18th October 1985.

(Top Right) - Dai Astley, born in Dowlais on 11th October 1909, who won 13 caps for Wales scoring 12 goals.

Dai Astley was a coalminer who joined Merthyr Town from Dowlais Welfare. Albert Lindon, player-manager of Charlton Athletic and a man who knew the South Wales soccer scene well, took him to the Valley in 1927 as although Dai had only made 5 appearances for the Red & Greens he had scored 3 goals in that period. A slenderly built, skilful player, he had superb positional sense and could shoot with either foot. Although naturally right-footed, Astley was aid to have a "mustard left peg" - perfected by hours of practising with a tennis ball. He preferred to keep the ball on the ground and was a master at deceiving defenders with his body swerve. Astley proved to be one of the most astute signings made by Aston Villa, as his prolific goal scoring record of 92 goals in 165 matches indicates. He once scored four goals for the Villa in a FA Cup match against Swansea Town - not a bad record for a player considered by some to be lazy.

In 1936, Astley preferred to move to Derby County rather than return to Charlton and he maintained his goal scoring reputation at the Baseball Ground in an all-international forward line, 45 goals in 93 appearances. He was reluctant to leave Derby but with no first team football in prospect he joined Blackpool. Astley found the net regularly for Wales and his 12 goals in 13 international matches demonstrated his uncanny knack for goals. He retired during the Second World War and went on to coach at Inter Milan, in France and Sweden up to 1956. Astley was subsequently landlord of the White Horse in Ramsgate, Kent.

Dai died in Birchington, Kent on 7th November 1989.

(Bottom left) - Gordon Davies, born in Merthyr Tydfil on 3rd August 1955, made 16 appearances for Wales scoring 2 goals.

Gordon Davies was a relative latecomer to league football at the age of 22 years, having previously played for Merthyr Tydfil FC in the Southern League and worked as a physical education teacher. As a youth he had joined Manchester City as an apprentice but was released and embarked on training as a geography teacher. A determined player with an eye for a half chance, he was a consistent goalscorer at Fulham who he joined for a fee reported to be in excess of £5,000 but also made chances for others, he in fact made 247 appearances for the London club with an impressive haul of 113 goals in that time.

In 1983 his goalscoring feats attracted the top clubs at a time when he had been recalled to the Wales side after a two year absence. Davies moved in quick succession to Chelsea and, ironically, Manchester City. He returned to Fulham in November 1986 and maintained his gift for goalscoring. In 1988 he overtook Johnny Haynes's club record tally of 157 league & cup goals.

In 1991 Gordon joined Wrexham where he finished his professional career.

Gordon now lives in Leicestershire and is a regular visitor to Craven Cottage on match-day where he acts as a club ambassador.

(Bottom right) - Moses Russell, born in Tredegar on 20th May 1888, who made 23 appearances for Wales scoring 1 goal.

Moses Russell left school to work down the pits but spent his leisure time playing football and rugby. He also boxed and swam - once rescuing a drowning child from a river. In 1912 he left South Wales to join Southport but when the club hit financial problems he accepted a free transfer rather take the cut in wages. A bout of rheumatic fever had left Moses "thinly thatched" and his bald head made him appear years older than his age.

He settled at Merthyr Town in the Southern League and it was during this period that he became the first player from the club to represent Wales with appearances against Scotland and Ireland in 1912. It was shortly after playing for Wales against England in 1914 that he was transferred to Plymouth Argyle for a then club record fee of £400. After service with the Royal Army Corps, Moses resumed his career with Plymouth.

His gritty determination at full-back throughout the 1920s was an inspiration to his colleagues for both club and country.

In those days only the Third Division champions were promoted. Plymouth finished as runners-up in six successive seasons and Moses was dubbed the "unluckiest captain in soccer". The club finally made it to the Second Division in 1930 but Moses only played in 7 senior matches during the season and never realized his ambition to play in the top flight.

Moses played many fine games for his country and in 1924 converted the penalty in Belfast that gave Wales a 1-0 win over Ireland and the "Triple Crown". He toured Canada in 1929 with the Welsh party and was involved in a disturbing incident at Hamilton, Ontario. The match against the local XI got a little rough and the crowd invaded the pitch to surround Moses. The unflappable Moses remained calm until one of the crowd drew a pistol. Fortunately the Mounties got their man before he culd get to Moses. During his playing career he kept a public house in Plymouth but subsequenly returned to South Wales. At the outbreak of war, he joined the territorial army and it was while working at the Royal Propellant Factory in Chepstow that he died on 18th December 1946.



Friday 19 November 2010

Western League Decision on Penydarren Park


Merthyr Town FC has received confirmation from the Western League that our request to move back to our Penydarren Park ground has been declined at this stage of the season.

The League will forward a formal letter detailing the decision to the Club.

The Club will continue its matches at Taffs Well and looks forward to continuing its partnership with our hosts at Rhiw Dda.

Monday 1 November 2010

Community News from Merthyr Town


It's been a busy week for the Community team at Merthyr Town FC.

Firstly we hosted another of our monthly football cinema nights on Thursday at the Railway Club in the Town Centre, this month's film was the comedy Mike Bassett - England Manager which certainly entertained everyone who braved the inclement weather.

Next month's viewing will be a Tottenham Hotspur special with the 1983 film Those Glory Glory Days showing from 7.45pm on Thursday 25th November, once again in the Public Hall at the Railway Club. Don't forget it's free to attend plus there's complimentary ice cream and popcorn.

The weekend was completed with the Community Team hosting the Club's annual contribution to the Let's Kick Racism Out of Football Campaign. Chard Town were the visitors to the Rhiw Dda ground at Taffs Well for the Day of Action and both Chard and the Match Officials were delighted to join the Martyrs in showing their support for the campaign message.

Every supporter in the 270 crowd would have received a copy of the campaign magazine and a key-ring to enforce the message that racism in any form is unacceptable.

Both team captains exchanged campaign pennants to complete the day of action.

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Minithon success at Merthyr Town


It was a beautiful autumn morning on Sunday for the first Merthyr Town FC Minithon. Our club joining FC United of Manchester and AFC Wimbledon in hosting an event to help both Club and a local Charity with the added benefits of a healthy run or walk in our stunning countryside.

Over 60 supporters, players, families and friends were ready at 11am at Rhydycar Leisure Centre to register for the 5km Run, Walk or Crawl.

Brian Flynn, Wales Under-21 Team Manager, was available to greet everyone and was able to have a chat with Merthyr Town Manager Gary Shephard about the team's performances this season in the Toolstation Western League.

Soon it was 11.00am and it was time for Mr. Flynn to start the race, the entrants were supplemented by mascots from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council plus our very own Shaggy the Sheep.

The course chosen for the event was along the Taff Trail as far as Abercanaid where everyone looped around and returned to the Leisure Centre to collect their Race Certificate and donate their sponsorship.

The 5km race was won by Andrew Murphy. The children's race ended in a dead-heat between Megan Jones and Liam Bodenham, and as for the dog walkers' competition? Well, Phil Mytton and Mally came in first.

The walkers enjoyed the glorious weather and a few even stopped for refreshments in the Llwyn-Yr-Eos pub adjacent to the course.

A big thank you to the Club's Stewards for marshalling the course and also to the local St. John Ambulance for agreeing to attend.

The sponsorship monies are still being donated and further donations can be made via the following link;

http://www.justgiving.com/Mark-EvansMinithon2010

Merthyr Town FC has started to plan for next season's event, we hope to see you there!

Saturday 16 October 2010

It's a week to the Merthyr Town Minithon



There's only seven days of preparation left for the Merthyr Town FC Run, Walk or Crawl.

Supporters, families and friends are making their final plans for the 5km event to be held on Sunday 24th October.

The big send-off will be at 11.00am on the Taff Trail behind Rhydycar Leisure Centre, the route will continue along the trail until Abercanaid where the participants will loop around for the return leg to Rhydycar.

Everyone is welcome to support both Merthyr Town FC and the Gol charity on 24th October, see you there!

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Penydarren Park update


Merthyr Town FC Board is pleased to announce that the new lease to Penydarren Park was finally signed yesterday and the keys were handed to the club.

Thankfully the buildings have not noticeably deteriorated during the summer, although there is plenty of tidying up to do.

The part of the building damaged by the fire a couple of weeks ago was not used by the club during the last year and therefore will not hinder unduly the rehabilitation of the ground to its former glory.

The Club will now use the famous venue to wash kit for our first team, youth team and academy age-groups and also store various items in a secure environment.

The pitch needs a little attention. When it has been cut and rolled the first team can start to train there. In addition the pitch will be used for a small number of Merthyr College games and Academy under 18 games.

The Club has targetted the return of international football to Merthyr Tydfil as an incentive to the work to be undertaken by our loyal supporters.

The Western League team will remain at Taffs Well FC for this season, but the plan remains for the only Community Mutual football club in Wales to return to its roots in time for kick off in season 2011/12.

Our thanks to everyone who has shown faith in the Supporters Trust over the previous five years as we move to return our Football Club to the centre of our community.

Thursday 23 September 2010

Merthyr Town FC Run, Walk or Crawl


Merthyr Town FC is a Community Mutual Football Club based in South Wales. The Club has been reformed by its supporters in order to preserve semi-professional football in our town.

The supporters and more importantly our players & management will be undertaking a run or walk from our leisure centre down the Taff Trail to Abercanaid and return to raise money for our club and also for the Gol Charity.

All funds will be shared 50/50.

Our football club is committed to ensuring that Penydarren Park benefits our whole community through its facilities in the future and that is one of the main objectives of the Gol charity to realise that football can be a catalyst for benefit in all countries world-wide.

Everyone taking part will have different abilities therefore as well as the main race we are having a prize for the first dog-walker home, the best decorated pram or pushchair and of course fancy dress.

Quote from Sheppy

'The players are looking forward to the minithon, and there is a book being run on who will be the slowest in our squad. I am having a special strapping made following an injury to ensure that I can compete, and will return to training to prepare for the event shortly. It seems odd to hear Merthyr mentioned in the same breath as Sydney, Boston USA, Turin and Manchester but we look forward to competing against them all as the 'underdogs'.

I am delighted though that the Club is supporting Gol which has an excellent record at helping underprivileged children at home and abroad. As a father myself I realise it is important that we provide help to children to improve their quality of life. Since the Club has reformed we are keen to support community events such as these, and I am delighted that the whole squad will be taking part."


Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

http://www.justgiving.com/Mark-EvansMinithon2010

Thanks for your support for the Martyrs and the Gol Charity!

Monday 20 September 2010

From the Wall to the Well


Merthyr Town FC is advising supporters of Cardiff City that they will be more than welcome at their current base at Taffs Well FC on Saturday 25th September.

Cardiff City host Millwall at 12 noon and with the Martyrs also playing host to Melksham Town on that day but at 3.00pm then it's possible for Cardiff fans to pop in and support their neighbours at their temporary home.

A reduced entry fee of £4.00 is applicable to all Cardiff City Season Ticket Holders on production of the relevant pass.

Suggested train options for CCFC fans - Ninian Park at 2.15pm, change at Queen Street, arrive at Taffs Well at 2.43pm, or a direct service from Grangetown at 2.19pm also arriving at 2.43pm.


Fingers crossed for two home wins for the Welsh teams on Saturday!

Saturday 18 September 2010

Update on fire at Penydarren Park


Merthyr Town FC wishes to confirm that the fire at its historic Penydarren Park ground, reported via the BBC, last weekend was confined to a disused part of the main stand and will not impact on our plans to return to our home in the near future.

The Board of the Club which is now registered as a Community Mutual is continuing discussions with the local Council with regard to us returning to Penydarren Park in the near future.

Western League fixtures will remain at Rhiw Dda with our friends at Taffs Well FC however it is hoped that Penydarren Park will once again provide our supporters with a social outlet as we rebuild our famous club.

The original story of the fire can be found via the following link;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-11275387

Friday 10 September 2010

Merthyr Town Stewards Training


Merthyr Town FC has teamed up with Swansea College to provide training for its volunteer match stewards. The training day will take place at Hills Plymouth Cricket Club from 10.30am on Sunday 19th September.

All supporters are welcome to attend the day's training programme. The candidates will receive further on-site training throughout the season in order to gain a NVQ Level 2 award which can provide access to stewarding posts at other major venues in South Wales such as the Cardiff City Stadium.

For further information please contact Mark Evans on wolvesy@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday 8 August 2010

Great start to season


It has been a long time coming for all of us but finally at 5 to 3 on Saturday, the Red & Green shirts of Merthyr Town emerged from the dressing rooms at Shepton Mallet to a rousing welcome from the large travelling support from the Valleys.

Shepton Mallet FC were excellent hosts for our first match as Merthyr Town FC, a lovely ground with a decent playing surface offered a fine backdrop to this historic match.

It was Shepton Mallet that took the initiative from the start scoring an opener within the first 15 minutes and going close on a number of occasions but slowly but surely the Martyrs took control of the match and were rewarded with an own goal after good work by Marcus Griffiths just before the break.

The addition of Cortez Belle to the team for the second half was the catalyst for a brace of goals in two minutes, firstly from Scott Armitage who slotted home after a long throw then from Belle himself when he charged down a keeper's kick to score.

The Martyrs' passing game ensured that we stayed in control of the match and quality strikes by both Tariq Khalil and Craig Stiens added to the score, there was even time for Belle's last minute penalty to be saved by hosts' keeper who had an excellent game.

So we start with a 5-1 win, for many of us the result was secondary it was enough to see a club now managed by its faithful supporters take the field for the first time after so many challenges over the previous seasons.

On Tuesday we entertain Cadbury Heath at our temporary home at Taffs Well for our first Western League home fixture, if it's half as enjoyable as our trip to Shepton Mallet then it will be a game worth watching.

Up the Town!

Thursday 5 August 2010

Penydarren Park lease update


5th August 2010 - Penydarren Park lease now the property of Merthyr Council

Following the wind up of Merthyr Tydfil Football Club on 18 June, the Official Receiver was appointed liquidator.

The Official Receiver has disclaimed its interest in the Penydarren Park .

The result is that Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council now have total control of Penydarren Park and all keys to the ground were passed to Council officials today.

Merthyr Town Football Club will shortly approach the council to request discussions regarding the possibility of the club’s return to Penydarren Park.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Football Cinema Night launched


Merthyr Town FC will host a Football Cinema Night at the Railway Club in Merthyr Tydfil on Thursday 22nd July. The choice of film for the first of a summer season is the 1939 black & white classic The Arsenal Stadium Mystery. The film was one of the first to use football as a central theme and has cameo performances by some of the great players of the era such as Cliff Bastin, Eddie Hapgood and our own Bryn Jones.

This is another free event set up by the Community Team at Merthyr Town FC to maintain the club's presence in the town despite the current loss of Penydarren Park.

Next month's showing will be Another Sunday and Sweet FA.

We look forward to seeing football & film fans at the Railway Club on Thursday evening, don't forget the popcorn.

Saturday 17 July 2010

Merthyr Town FC - A Community Club


Martyrs to the Cause is delighted to advise that its members voted unanimously at the recent Public Meeting to adopt an amended constitution to ensure that Merthyr Town FC is registered as a Community Mutual Sports Club.

This will make Merthyr Town unique in Wales as a Football Club run democratically by its Members with its base directly in the Communities which it serves.

Another big step by the supporters of Merthyr Town as we fight to return to our spiritual home at Penydarren Park.

Saturday 3 July 2010

Public Meeting


The Martyrs to the Cause Trust Board has confirmed that they will host a public meeting at the Railway Club, Masonic Street, Merthyr Tydfil on Thursday 8th July at 7.00pm.

It is vital that all supporters of Merthyr Town AFC attend to hear the following items of information;

1. Current status of Penydarren Park
2. Season ticket information
3. Travel options & general information for Taffs Well
4. Members to vote to adopt new Constitution to change status from Trust to supporter-owned Football Club
5. Soccalot sales
6. Club membership drive

Thanks for your support!

Monday 21 June 2010

Western Football League decision


Martyrs to the Cause is happy to announce that following a ground inspection of the Taffs Well FC facilities today the Western Football League has confirmed that Merthyr Town AFC will play in their First Division.

League fixtures start on 7th August.

Our closest away match will be at Almondsbury UWE (56 miles) and the furthest at Bridport (125 miles).

We know that all Merthyr fans are looking forward to visiting new grounds and making new friends during the season.

Up the Town!

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Keep football at Penydarren Park campaign


It was a sad week for all Merthyr fans as Penydarren Park closed as a football venue for the foreseeable future however the fight to get the Martyrs back at our historic ground has only just begun with an on-line petition the latest way for all football fans to show their support for a swift return to Penydarren Park;

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/merthyrfootball/

A poster campaign is starting in the Heads of the Valleys area to remind everyone of the current plight of the stadium, posters can be downloaded from the Merthyr Town club website at;

http://www.merthyrtownfc.co.uk/

Items of memorabilia taken from the ground prior to its closure are available for display in local pubs & clubs, for example the signed shirt from the 2005 Walsall FA Cup is now on display in the Baili Glas pub in Twynyrodyn. If you know of a venue which can display securely an item from the Martyrs's past then please get in touch with the Trust.

Thanks for your continued support.

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Merthyr Town


Merthyr Town were today elected members of the Western Football League for the 2010/11 season, our division placement will be decided following a ground inspection of Taffs Well FC where we will ground share for the season due to the loss of Penydarren Park at the moment.

Thursday 27 May 2010


Trust commits to fight to save Penydarren Park

The members of Martyrs to the Cause, the Supporters Trust at Merthyr Tydfil FC, committed themselves on Tuesday evening to fight to save both Club and Ground to preserve semi-professional football within the town.

The news from the Administrator that a development company has expressed an interest in the lease of the Penydarren Park ground was a severe set-back to the Supporters’ Trust which until a month ago was hopeful of gaining a further term at the famous stadium for a club to continue the town’s history of playing within the English pyramid structure.

The Trust has applied to the Football Association, with the continued help of Supporters Direct, to register a club to conyinue to represent the community of Merthyr Tydfil however as the lease for Penydarren Park may not be available to the reformed club the Trust has had to move quickly to find an alternative venue in order to keep the Martyrs alive until the club’s eventual return to its historical home.

We have been delighted with the response of Taffs Well FC to our request for a groundshare for the forthcoming season. The Trust has already committed to funding minor ground improvements in order to meet the criteria for Level 6 of the FA pyramid. Merthyr leaving Penydarren Park will be heartbreaking for all supporters of football in Wales however the site of the Taffs Well ground at Rhiw Dda’r is in the Taff valley and is accessible by both train and bus services for our loyal supporters.

The fight to stay at Penydarren Park will not be forgotten or underestimated, the Trust calls on both Welsh Assembly Government and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council to confirm their support for our ground to remain both our home and a community asset to the Heads of the Valleys region for future generations. The archaeological remains of a Roman fort underneath the iconic football ground will ensure that no commercial development will ever be possible on that site. We understand that Cadw is monitoring the situation.

The focus now turns towards the Administrator and the status of the current football club. The Trust understands that the Administrator was unable to satisfy the FA of the continuation of football at Penydarren Park for the 2010/11 season therefore Merthyr Tydfil FC will be excluded from the Southern League. We are hopeful that the FA will note that the Supporters and wider community of Merthyr Tydfil FC deserve an opportunity to keep semi-professional alive in the Valleys and that the reformed club will be offered a placement in the Western League, it will not be a new arena for Merthyr football as the Merthyr Town club was a member of the league nearly a century ago.

Our supporters are among the best in non-league football. Swindon Supermarine FC will provide testament to the passion and humour of our support on the final day of the season. Our fans will be an asset to the Western League. We are confident that our loyal supporters can work through the next few months and that in August we can appreciate a new dawn for our Club. A club run by its biggest investors; it’s supporters.

Monday 24 May 2010

Iconic paintings unveiled by Merthyr Trust



The Community Team at Martyrs to the Cause is delighted to have been a partner to the Pippins Designs arts project at Brecon Road Infants school last week. The children were able to produce iconic paintings of famous players who have either played for or come from Merthyr Tydfil. The Trust are grateful for the sponsorship of the GMB union to enable the event to go ahead.

Players included Chris Holvey, John Charles, Gordon Davies, Dai Astley, Bryn Jones, Moses Russell and Mark Pembridge.

The paintings will now be on show at the Candac Suite in Penydarren Park up to 12th June.

Thursday 29 April 2010

Martyrs & the Arts


Martyrs to the Cause is proud to advise that the first children's arts day to celebrate some of the great players to have come from Merthyr Tydfil will take place at Brecon Road Infants School on 18th May.

The children will be helped by the award winning team from Pippins Designs to produce five panels celebrating the football heritage of our town, the players to be honoured on canvas by the young artists will be Chris Holvey, Dai Astley, Gordon Davies, Mark Pembridge, Bryn Jones, John Charles and Moses Russell. The children have also decided to include current Wales star Aaron Ramsey in the panel to be retained by the school for display.

The Trust is very grateful for the financial support of the Merthyr Branch of the GMB Union for its aid to our community arts project, without their valuable support this event would not be possible.

Wednesday 14 April 2010

Mobile Museum project update & appeal



The Supporters Trust has met with the design team charged with producing the display boards for the portable information boards that will tell the story of football in Merthyr Tydfil from 1908 to the present day, we have already received many photographs, programmes, cigarette cards etc for the display boards but we could do with more stories and items to add something different to the tale, for example did you travel to Swindon in 1965 on the special train for the Cup match? We already have the match programme but maybe you kept the rail ticket. Do you know someone with a Football League programme from our membership in the 1920s? Season ticket from the 1960s?

All items will be returned, they will be digitally recorded for future generations. The next stage of the museum project is to set up a Merthyr Football Museum Website which will display all items from the 1927 Welsh League Handbook right up to the current day.

Please contact us via wolvesy@yahoo.co.uk if you have any items or ideas for the Mobile Museum.

Thanks as ever for your support.

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Trust with the FAW

Following today's meeting of the FAW Domestic Committee, the status of Merthyr Tydfil FC will be discussed at the FAW Council meeting in Pulford on Monday 12th April.

Friday 26 March 2010

Congratulations and thanks

Congratulations to our friends at Leamington for registering their Trust, good luck for the rest of the season.

Thanks also to the Newport County Supporters Trust for donating £100 to our Buy Merthyr Tydfil fund, once again its great to see our friends helping to save our famous Club.

For further information on the current situation please contact us via wolvesy@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday 21 March 2010

Trust AGM

Please note that the AGM of Merthyr Tydfil FC Supporters Society will be held at the Candac Suite in Penydarren Park from 7.00pm on Thursday 25th March.

Thursday 18 March 2010

Welsh Guards collection

There will be a bucket collection at Penydarren Park on Saturday, we have a longstanding agreement to allow former Welsh Guards to make a collection in support their cycle ride on the weekend from Anglesey to Cardiff. The three day cycle ride organised by Welsh Guards Reunited will make its way through Merthyr Tydfil in a bid to raise money for both Ty Gobaith and Ty Hafan.

Ty Gobaith is a children's hospice in Conwy providing respite care to the terminally ill. Ty Hafan, near Sully, is a similar haven for children who suffer from life-limiting conditions.

You can also help the charities and support the Welsh Guard Reunited efforts by visiting http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/wgr

Friday 12 March 2010

Appeal from Martyrs to the Cause

8 Salisbury Close
Heolgerrig
Merthyr Tydfil
CF48 1SD
Tel 079496 23722

HELP US BUY THE MARTYRS

Dear supporter

We are writing to ask for your support as a Trust member and therefore a potential part owner of Merthyr Tydfil Football Club.

The Supporters Society (Martyrs to the Cause) is aiming to bid for the purchase of Merthyr Tydfil Football Club from Administration at the end of March.

The Trust is confident that the club can be run on a break even basis, but it has used its reserves (£50,000) to get things where they are, and we are committed to continue in the long term.

We are inviting supporters of all clubs to make loans to the Trust in £100 units, to be repaid over the next three seasons. If for any reason the club is not purchased, all funds will be returned.

Cheques or cash have to be with the club by Tuesday 23rd March 2010.

We think this is the best chance of a positive outcome for the club in the long term. We hope you can help.

If you wish to support us in our historic bid for our football club then please contact us at the address listed above.


John Strand
Secretary
Merthyr Tydfil FC Supporters Society

Wednesday 24 February 2010

Trust bid for funding successful

The Trust is happy to confirm that it has successfully gained a grant of £3,442.75 from the Communities First Trust Fund to provide funding for a Mobile Exhibition celebrating the heritage of football in the borough of Merthyr Tydfil.

The project now turns towards the design phase of the mobile information boards, the subjects ranging from the Football League years to the current fight for the Club's existence.
The Trust will be setting up a heritage sub-group to drive the project forward, if anyone has any memorabilia, photographs or just ideas then please contact Mark Evans via 07774 708063.

The information boards will provide a focal point for a mobile exhibition that will take the message of Merthyr Tydfil FC into our local communities.

Our thanks go to everyone in the Community Team plus our colleagues in the Park & Town Ward Partnership Board.

Friday 12 February 2010

Season Ticket offer for the Martyrs

Supporters of Football League clubs will get a reduced entry to Merthyr home matches if they produce their season ticket at Penydarren Park upon arrival at the turnstiles.

A special £5.00 fee is available to fans wishing to support the Martyrs in our fight to survive, a saving of £3.00.

The Supporters Trust is continuing to seek avenues to take the Club out of Administration and needs the South Wales football community to rally round to keep semi-professional football alive in the Valleys area.

Easter Monday has been confirmed as the date for the annual Come Back To Merthyr Day. Both new and former supporters will be welcomed to Penydarren Park for the visit of Stourbridge, it will also be the day for the Former Players Reunion so the stars of yore will also be available to relive the glory days of the Martyrs.

Sunday 7 February 2010

Merthyr Sixes date announced

The Merthyr Supporters Six-a-side tournament will be held at Penydarren Park on the morning of 15th May. Newport County will be back I'm sure to defend their title.

If your club fancies entering a supporters team please contact Martyrs to the Cause via wolvesy@yahoo.co.uk

Friday 29 January 2010

E-Newsletter launched

Martyrs to the Cause has launched its weekly Newsletter, if you wish to receive an e-mail detailing our struggle to keep our famous club alive then please e-mail us at wolvesy@yahoo.co.uk


Trust Update by John Strand


First my apologies to members for not providing an update of events at the Trust since it has responsible for running the football club this season.

I expect that many of you have been keeping abreast of things through the press, the Forum and public meetings, but you may not have had the opportunity to get the full picture.

The Trust embarked on the current road in early June, when it asked the court to place the club into administration to avoid it being liquidated by HM Customs and Revenue.

The administrator made an agreement with the Trust to run the club from August 1st 2009. Because of conditions imposed by the FA, it was necessary to pay the administrator about £25,000 over the season. Added to this the Trust incurred £23,000 legal costs.

Despite this expense the Trust has managed to run the club reasonably successfully, with the help and support of many volunteers and local businesses.

Unfortunately because of the difficult financial situation it was necessary to cut the wage bill by 30% in December. The reaction of the management and players has been magnificent, with the continued excellent commitment of the whole squad.

As we move towards the second part of the season, we are considering the future.

The administrator has indicated that he has received an offer for the lease of Penydarren Park from a company who would not allow football at Penydarren Park in the long term. We do not know whether this offer will come to fruition.

We will be working in the coming weeks with all who have the club’s interests at heart to prepare for every eventuality, whether that involves working with another owner or owning the club ourselves.

A new Trust Board was appointed in October, following the receipt of 12 nominations, avoiding the need for an election. The accounts for the year ended 31 August 2009 are with the accountant, and soon as they are finalised the AGM will be held.

A further report will then be made.

In the meantime thank you to everyone who has helped the Trust and the club, this year and in previous years.

Next 7 home games:

The Martyrs are entering a busy period in their remarkable push for the play offs. Below is a list f the next 7 home games. Please spread the word and encourage more people to come to Penydarren Park to support Gary, Danny & the boys.

H Rugby Town Sat 13 February 2010 - 3.00
H Truro City Tue 23 February 2010 - 7.45
H Hemel Hempstead Town Sat 27 February 2010 - 3.00
H Clevedon Town Tue 09 March 2010 - 7.45
H Leamington Tue 16 March 2010 - 7.45
H Hednesford Town Sat 20 March 2010 - 3.00
H Brackley Town Tue 23 March 2010 - 7.45

Sunday 24 January 2010

Community Team Update

A big thank you to everyone who donated to the Trust's annual Christmas Charity collection prior to the Chippenham match on 23rd January.

We've collected for a few local charities over the years including Tarian and Cancer Aid, this year we are happy to provide Merthyr PHAB with £128.00 to continue their excellent work.

The bid for funding of the proposed Mobile Museum has been submitted to the Communities First Fund, it's fingers crossed time now of course. If successful we've targetted the annual Ex-players Day on Easter Monday as the launch date for the new project.

Monday 18 January 2010

Merthyr Football Museum



This is a photograph of the Wales Schoolboys team at Penydarren Park during the 1912/13 season.

Martyrs to the Cause is continuing to collate items detailing the history of football within our Borough, a bid is being prepared for funding for a Mobile Exhibition to include classic photographs such as the posted above.

More news to follow.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Fanzine - New Issue?

The Dial M For Merthyr Fanzine lads are looking for articles for the next issue, they've already produced a few, here's a sample article concerning the current freeze;

The Big Freeze of 2010?

So another day with snow, another day off for the kids, and continued coverage on both radio and television as to the effects of the current arctic conditions for South Wales. It’s certainly affecting the Martyrs, we haven’t played a match since 12th December and we’re unlikely to do so until 23rd January for the visit of Chippenham, but how has snow and ice affected the club in previous years?

I spent a few hours researching the “big freeze” of 1963 and how we coped in days of yore with frozen pitches? I’m sure older readers will have some memories to share too.

It seems the cold weather hit the UK and South Wales in particular on the evenings of 28th-30th December and the Lilywhites were only just able to complete their 1962 fixtures with a 4-1 defeat at Rugby on the final day of December. A match played on two inches of snow, cleared lines and sanded goalmouths. A match remembered for the great performance by goalkeeper John Clarke who prevented a rout with some inspired saves.

The Club chose this time to launch its new Heads of the Valleys Bingo Club as a fundraiser, Doug Morgan of the MTFC Supporters Club was on hand to warn that “if the scheme doesn’t go I don’t think we’ll have Southern League football in Merthyr Tydfil for much longer” A scenario all too familiar to the current supporters of our club.

A visit to the Rich Field to play Brecon Corinthians in the Welsh Cup was the next match but was postponed due to the icy conditions, the cancellation having a knock-on affect already on fixtures as the proposed visit of Worcester City was postponed in order that the Welsh Cup match be played. Things were a lot different in those days.

It was no surprise that the re-arranged match in Brecon for 12th January was also postponed as that area was particularly badly affected, my dad remembers driving in a truck up the main road to Brecon with the snow packed up on each side of the road with just a gap to drive through, it must have been a claustrophobic experience indeed. The Welsh Cup still took priority so the Southern League remained dormant for the Lilywhites.

The cold snap was already affecting the club’s finances but Vice-Chair Bill Richards remained bullish; “It is a present loss which we hope to recover later in the year with evening matches”.

By 19th January the Merthyr Express was reporting Thousands Without Water in Merthyr’s Freeze Up, it was noted that many homes in exposed areas had been without water for two weeks already. Of the 4,000 council homes in the Borough, a third were frozen up.

Indeed elsewhere in the UK, the FA Cup 3rd Round was struggling to its conclusion. It finally took 66 days to complete with a total of 261 postponements recorded. This inactivity provided the cause for the Pools Panel to sit for the first time.

Despite the cold weather and no football Merthyr team manager Les Graham continued to look for new signings, it was reported that Alan Wood was a target from Bristol Rovers coupled with Ray Williams coming from Hereford United.

Merthyr still looked to play their Welsh Cup tie with Brecon but the low temperatures and snow was unrelenting and the chances of playing this match were basically nil.

Ken Tucker remembered the season very well, “The pitch at Penydarren Park was unavailable so we had to train indoors at the YMCA on Tuesday and Thursday as normal. The team was full of ex-professional players so there was no let up in training”.

Meanwhile the Heads of the Valley Bingo Club had got off to a slow start, Doug Morgan blamed the weather and the overlap with the Supporters’ Club established Lucky Numbers scheme. However with the backing of the local LVA the scheme was picking up. The first £70 winner was Mr. J.H. Jones of Merthyr Conservative Club.

The local weather conditions had not changed by the following week, this time it was local industry that was forced to act. On 23rd January Hoovers put off 1,700 workers as Welsh Gas reduced its supply to businesses by up to 50%, the factory was able to re-start the day shift the following day and had to send telegrams (this is long time before text messages!!) to 450 workers advising them to resume. Lines Bros had 500 workers off by that Wednesday too but hoped to resume by Monday. The domestic scene was no better as coal supplies were scarce too, the prefab house in Haydn Terrace, Penydarren were particularly badly hit by this.

The Brecon game unsurprisingly still had not been played but the club was hopeful of reserve team fixture at Penydarren Park on 26th January against Swansea Town. The match in Brecon scheduled for that day was doubtful so the club announced that if off then they would play the Southern League XI in the Welsh League fixture. It was hoped that as Swansea’s match at Queens Park Rangers that day was also in doubt that a match containing both first team squads could be witnessed by the Merthyr Tydfil faithful.

The ice remained in place though and was delaying the signing of both Wood and Williams. Good news though as Colin Rees joined the club from Leeds United.

Ice on the Neuadd Reservoirs was reported as 18 inches thick.

Halifax Town converted The Shay stadium into a public ice rink to raise funds.

It was now over a month since the last match at Penydarren Park, a Welsh League match against Ferndale on 22nd December 1962.

It was still not as bad as the 1946/47 season when Merthyr went nine weeks without a home game, although they did manage to play away games in that time. When they finally managed to play a match at Penydarren Park 5,400 fans turned up to see Bedford smashed 6-1. That season had to be extended with the final home match being the visit of Milford United for a Welsh League match on 14th June!!!

The Brecon match on 26th Jan was off, there’s a theme to this story somewhere.

The weather at the end of the month seemed to improve but still the problems continued with over 1,000 burst water pipes reported and many gas mains fractured. Residents in Blanche Street, Dowlais were evacuated from their homes as gas board workers looked to repair a leak, unfortunately one resident Sarah Williams was found unconscious at home and had to be rushed to St. Tydfil’s Hospital for treatment, sadly she died two weeks later. The emergency services remained on high alert, they even had to intervene to remove a large icicle from outside of Howfields in the town High Street.

Good news for the football though as the Swansea Town friendly went ahead. The first match at Penydarren Park for six weeks, a disappointing 2-1 defeat. Ken Tucker raised the spirits though with a spectacular goal in response to brace by the visitors’ Mike Hayes. Frankie Collins missed a late penalty for the hosts, hitting his shot straight at keeper Gordon Smith after Brian Hughes had handled. 420 attended this match, no doubt hungry for football action.

The Swansea match wasn’t without its problems though, the water system froze so the players had to use the YMCA building’s facilities after the match.

Brecon finally relented to Merthyr’s request and the Welsh Cup match was scheduled for Penydarren Park the following week if it passed an inspection by referee Leo Callaghan therefore the match with Wisbech Town joined the long list of postponed Southern League fixture sidelined by the Welsh Cup. If the match went ahead then Cyril Beech was the surprise choice at chentre-forward. Alan Wood had finally joined Merthyr but was unable to play due to FA of Wales rules.

Within seven days the snow had returned and in force - a warm front then produced a thaw that turned the roads to slush nevertheless the road system was hit badly. Water pipe problems remained for residents and coal supplies remained low.

The FAW finally relented as the Brecon match was postponed once again, both clubs were instructed to resume their league fixtures with the Welsh Cup match scheduled for a midweek date. Penydarren Park was put once again on stand-by for the fixture but in the meantime the Lilywhites turned their attention to the possible visit of Cambridge City but the thaw had broughts its own problems and the match was considered 50/50 to be played.

The Heads of the Valley Bingo Club (does anyone know how this worked?) continued and the £70 first prize was claimed by a Mrs. Richards who had bought her ticket in the Glamorgan Arms (where was that in the town?), the LVA was now in full support of the scheme and publicans were encouraged to lend their support.

The home matches did not beat the elements so Merthyr gambled on playing a tour of Dorset to tick off two fixtures for 15th and 16th of February. Weymouth on the Friday night with Poole hosting the next day. Danny McCarthy, a former Cardiff City player, also joined the squad.

The gamble was a relative success with a 2-0 defeat at Weymouth and a excellent 3-0 win at Poole. Merthyr playing well in both matches. Centre-half Keith Vopke continued to catch the eye at the back. The win at Poole was particularly satisfying as the match was played in ankle deep mud plus new signings Wood and McCarthy netted a goal apiece.

As Merthyr planned for the next week’s journey to Yeovil, who were the proposed Welsh League opponents for Penydarren Park (weather permitting)? Brecon Corinthians of course.

Merthyr continued to impress with a 1-1 draw in front of 1,820 at Yeovil. Jim Clarke scoring a brilliant goal with a cool lob over the goalkeeper from a narrow angle. The Brecon match? … Postponed I’m afraid.

The Penydarren Park groundsman John Rees now called for volunteers to clear the pitch and get it ready for the visit of Guildford City on 2nd March, the Supporters’ Club responded and a dedicated team worked all week to attempt to finally get a Southern League fixture completed at our home ground.

864 supporters were there to see the return of first team football after over 2 months absence from Merthyr. Some still thought that the match shouldn’t have gone ahead but referee David Jones from Aberbargoed got it started and both teams entertained in a 0-0 draw despite pools of water and ankle deep mud all over the pitch.

After the match it was reported that manager Les Graham had confronted one of the club directors.

The following Thursday saw the long awaited Welsh Cup tie with Brecon finally played, a 2-1 victory meant a fourth round tie at home to Newport County but Les Graham had already departed. He tendered his resignation to the Board prior to the match. Les Graham had joined the club in 1959 to succeed Albert Lindon, he had already taken two pay-cuts whilst managing Merthyr.

The Directors’ dispute with Les Graham appeared to be about the amount of time he spent at Penydarren Park, he lived in Cwmbran and trained in Newport.

The loss of the Manager was far from popular with the supporters but at least they had football to watch as the Club looked to tackle the obvious back-log of fixtures. Following a 4-0 defeat at Wellington came a spell of three matches in five days; Thursday 21st March home to Newport County in the Cup (kick off at 4.30pm as we had no lights in those days) - but were well beaten 4-0, two days later we hosted and lost 1-0 to Dartford in the League (560 crowd), at 4.45pm on the Monday we took and beat Wellington 2-1 in front of 490 fans.

The remainder of that season became a relegation battled culminating in a fine 3-1 win over Cambridge City, who arrived as League Champions, in front of 780 supporters on 11th May. The heroes on the day were Ken Tucker who scored two goals, both from Frankie Collins’s long throws, and Brian Williams.

Who knows how long the current freeze will remain? Will it surpass both 1947 and 1963? Let’s hope not. I fancy watching us on 23rd January v. Chippenham, don’t you?

Wednesday 6 January 2010

The Pub Olympics

With the cold weather seemingly in for the foreseeable future, the expectations of the Brackley match on Saturday going ahead must be next to nil, so if the match is postponed and you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Penydarren Park why not head down to the Candac Suite on Saturday and take part in the Pub Olympics from 2pm?

The following olympic sports will be available:-

Darts
Pool
Table football
Cards
Dominoes
Pitch & Toss

There will also be a raffle to raise funds to cover the cost of Gary Shephard and the team holding an indoor training session that morning.

A dvd of classic Merthyr matches will be on show during the day.

The Candac Bar, sponsored by Rhymney Brewery, will be open for a selection of quality of drinks.

Please make the effort to attend the day, if only to sit and chat about the Martyrs over a pint or two. There's been no game since 12th December and funds are needed, so come along and enjoy an afternoon of pub games, beer, football and fun.

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Community Team Update

The Community Team has remained active over the winter months and has confirmed a few projects for Merthyr Tydfil FC;

John Hartson Foundation - following the testicular cancer awareness day at Penydarren Park for our youth team players we are happy to advise that Martyrs to the Cause have signed up to run at the FAW Dragon Ball Run on 21st March in Bute Park on behalf of both club and the John Hartson Foundation. We're looking for more volunteers to run, every runner is encouraged to wear his own club shirt so let's see the black & white of Merthyr celebrating in Cardiff Castle on that Sunday.

Caedraw School - we continue to collect empty plastic 2 litre bottles for an environment project at the local school, any donations should be handed into either Club Shop or Holveys Tea Bar.

Arts Project - The Community Team have meetings during January to confirm the Arts Project, hopefully we will see the results all around the Candac Suite in forthcoming matches.

Museum/Mobile Exhibition - We continue to research funding for a mobile exhibition to educate primary school children as to the history of professional sport in our town. Our thanks go to Cyfarthfa Castle Museum for their help in sourcing the display information for our bid.

Academy - An update to advise that we are looking at a funding stream to help with the finances of our excellent academy structure. On this point - don't forget to support out Future Martyrs as they represent us in matches for the remainder of the season.

Minithon 2010 - we have agreed to undertake a Minithon during 2010 following the success of the FC United of Manchester event this year. It has been very encouraging to see the input for hosting a 5km event in Merthyr Tydfil, but don't forget that you can RUN, WALK or CRAWL the event so no excuses for not taking part and raising money for our club to survive. More details to follow soon.

Poppy Day - despite the appalling weather conditions we managed to collect £51.32 on the day. The Royal British Legion has contacted the club to express its gratitude.

Christmas Collection - As you are aware the collection on behalf of PHAB was postponed from Boxing Day, please be assured that the Community Team will make the buckt collection at the next available Saturday home match.


Thank you once again for your anticipated co-operation.

Monday 4 January 2010

Annual Merthyr ex-players' day 2010

The Supporters' Trust is happy to confirm that this year's Players' Reunion will be on Easter Monday (5th April) for the visit of Stourbridge to Penydarren Park.

All former players are advised to contact Mark Evans on wolvesy@yahoo.co.uk for further details.

Away Supporters Guide to Merthyr Tydfil

The Supporters' Trust has produced the following e-booklet to advertise the benefits of visiting our famous football ground, why not stay overnight in the town to experience a Merthyr night out?

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1gx7w/MTFCAwaySupportersGu/resources/index.htm

Saturday 2 January 2010

Fans Forum information

A reminder that the Supporters' Trust will host a Fans Forum at the Candac Suite on Thursday 21st January 2010.

It is vital that all Merthyr fans attend this meeting to discuss the future of our famous club.

Once again, a "Sheppy" New Year from all at the Trust to every supporter of Merthyr Tydfil FC.