Former Cardiff City and Merthyr Town striker Stuart Fleetwood returns to South Wales on Tuesday evening.
Fleetwood, 32, now plays for Swindon Supermarine and joined the Wiltshire club from Redditch United.
He is set to lead Swindon’s attack against the Martyrs at Penydarren Park on Tuesday (7.45pm) and Fleetwood says: “I work as a full-time personal trainer and wasn’t able to go on holiday or stop since the football season finished.
“But, like all footballers, I was raring to get back to it.”
Fleetwood links up with former Forest Green teammate Matt Coupe for Supermarine and says: “I haven’t set myself a number of goals.
Home Fixture: The Martyrs first home game of the new season at the @metcoaches Community Stadium is this coming Tuesday 14th August 2018 (7.45pm kick off) against @SupermarineFC See you there.. #UPTHETOWN..!! ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ujBIGa7czk
— The Martyrs (@MerthyrTownFC) August 12, 2018
“I used to when I was younger, but I could do without the pressure now.
“Experience can only be a good thing, and I think that was one of the reasons the manager brought me in. I’m 32 now and have played at a higher level for a while.
“I had a few opportunities to go somewhere as a playing assistant or as player-coach, but I still feel I have plenty to offer.”
Merthyr opened their season with a 3-0 win at Chesham United, a result which gave manager Gavin Williams and his players a massive lift.
The win wiped away memories of their 13-1 Southern League defeat at Chesham last season when Williams was forced to select an inexperienced youth team.
Ian Traylor’s goal double, which took his Merthyr tally to 158 in 344 appearances, was added to by an own goal as the Martyrs gained sweet revenge.
Jarrad Wright headed against Swindon’s bar, while goalkeeper Joe Perry made some good saves as he kept a clean sheet.
Supermarine lost 1-0 at home to Tiverton Town in their opening match.
Tiverton under the guidance of experienced manager Martyn Rogers, finished sixth last season and, with the vast majority of their squad retained, it was always going to be a tough, physical encounter for Swindon manager Lee Spalding and his squad.
Spalding gave a debut to new signing Luke Williams in midfield, but ‘Marine were beaten by a 54th minute goal from Levi Landricombe.
Merthyr Town: Joe Perry, Joe Hunt, Jarrad Wright, Craig McDonnell, Kieran Lewis, Ashley Evans, Kerry Morgan, Adam Davies, Corey Jenkins, Ryan Prosser, Ian Traylor (Connor Young 84). Subs: Miles John, Connor Young, Craig Reddy, Tom Meechan, Lee Price.
