Double Signing Boost For Martyrs Before Home Clash

Merthyr Town have strengthened their squad with two new signings and both are former Cardiff City players.

They are Jamie Veale and Ben Swallow, who follow Newport County defender Jay Foulston to the MetCoaches Stadium. The Martyrs hope all three will be eligible for Saturday’s home match against Basingstoke Town (3pm).

Tenacious midfield player Veale, who has captained the Bluebirds’ under-23 team, has left City after more than 15 years with the club.

The 21-year-old Veale is a creative player through the middle who is quick to do his defensive duties when needed.

Ben Swallow during his time playing for Bristol Rovers. Pic: Getty Images.

Merthyr Tydfil-born Veale goes straight into manager Gavin Williams Martyrs’ squad for their EvoStik Southern League Premier fixture against Basingstoke.

“My thanks to @CardiffCityFC for the past 15-plus years I’ve spent with them coming through the ranks and progressing as a player and a person. 

“I’ll have memories and friends I’ll remember forever.

“I must also thank my Family, @cerysproth and my friends for all the support they’ve given me through my tough times in the last couple of years.”

NEWS: Swallow Makes Flying Visit to Merthyr (via Non-League Today) https://t.co/cLlU4SAfOs

— FWP Southern Premier South (@FWPSouthPremSth) January 18, 2019

Veale suffered a long-term injury a couple of years ago, but is now back to full fitness.

Barry-born winger Swallow, 29, joins the Martyrs on loan from Weston-super-Mare. 

Swallow, a Wales semi-pro international, spent seven years in Cardiff’s youth development programme before being released and moved on to Bristol Rovers.

He has also played for Newport County, Taunton Town, Bridgwater Town, Chippenham Town, Mangotsfield United, Bath City, York City, Bromley, Dartford, Havant and Margate.

Swallow helped Newport earn promotion to the Football League in 2013, scoring two goals in 23 appearances. He was not, though, part of the matchday squad when Newport won the Conference Premier play-off final against Wrexham at Wembley Stadium.

Teenage defender Jay Foulston has joined Merthyr Town on loan from Newport until the end of this season.

The arrival of Vale and Swallow is a major boost to injury-hit Merthyr, who are still without a number of players including Craig McDonnell, Kyle Patten, Joe Hunt and Corey Jenkins.

Swallow plays primarily as a left-winger, but can also operate at left-back.

Swansea-born Foulston, aged 19, has signed for Merthyr on loan until the end of this season.

Merthyr Town goalkeeper Joe Perry has signed for Mangotsfield United with manager Williams putting his faith in youngster Lewis Webb.

Visitors Basingstoke have signed young goalkeeper Tom McGill from Premier League side Brighton.

Winger Corey Jenkins on the run for Merthyr Town. Pic: Peter Harman.

He made more than 30 appearances for Albion’s under-18s in Premier League South also had on loan spell at Greenwich Borough.

The former England Under-16 and Under-17 international signed his first professional contract with Brighton this year.

Merthyr Town, from: Lewis Webb, Matthew Harris, Jay Foulston, Ashley Evans (capt), Jarrad Wright, Connor Young, Owain Jones, Craig Reddy, Ryan Prosser, Tom Meechan, Ian Traylor, Ben Swallow, Jamie Veale, Reuben Mackay, Cavan Williams.

Merthyr Town fixtures

EvoStik Southern League (all 3pm)

Saturday 19 v Basingstoke Town (home)

Saturday 26 v Tiverton Town (away)

February 

Saturday 2 v Dorchester Town (home)