Former Cardiff City striker Gethyn Hill has rejoined EvoStik Southern League Premier Division club Merthyr Town.
Pontypool-born Hill, aged 24, has committed to the Martyrs, who are intent on building a challenge for promotion during 2019-20.
Manager Gavin Williams looks certain to be in charge despite being linked with the vacancy at Yeovil Town, who have yet to decide on their new team boss.
Ex-Wales under-19 international Hill was highly rated during his days playing in the Bluebirds’ Academy, but suffered knee ligaments damage during 2012-13.
He was released by Cardiff manager Russell Slade and has since played for Merthyr, Cinderford Town, Weston-super-Mare and Hereford.
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The Martyrs have also announced midfield players Matthew Harris and Craig Reddy are leaving the club.
Harris is moving into coaching and says: “It was such a difficult decision for me, but I have decided to move on to a new challenge.
“My thanks to Merthyr Town for everything that they have done for me over the past 13 years. They gave me an opportunity at 17 and, hopefully, I did the club proud in that time.”
“Everybody at the club from the staff to the management team, players and fans have all been amazing to me and I can’t thank them enough. I have met friends for life and have been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
“Merthyr is truly a special club and will always be in my heart. I was proud to be a Martyr and would like to wish the club well moving forward.”
Harris scored 33 goals in more than 300 appearances for Merthyr, while Reddy played in 28 first team matches over the last couple of seasons.
Merthyr-born Reddy has played for a number of Welsh League clubs including Taffs Well, Penybont plus Treharris and joined the Martyrs in November 2017.
“I’m keen to move into a management and coaching role going forward,” says Reddy.
Manager Williams and his Martyrs start their pre-season fixtures against Swansea City under-23s at the Met Coaches Stadium on Saturday, July 6.
A week later the Martyrs will take on Abercwmboi in an Alzheimer’s Charity Match, also at the Met Coaches Stadium.
Merthyr take on Welsh League Division One team Cwmbran Celtic at the Met Coaches Stadium on Tuesday, July 16.
The Martyrs follow that game with a trip to the Welsh capital as they take on Christian Edwards’ Cardiff Met.
Manager Mike Flynn takes his Newport County team to Merthyr on Tuesday, July 23 before hosting newly-promoted Penydarren BGC visit the MetCoaches two days later.
Williams takes his squad on a bonding weekend away in Leicester when the Martyrs will take on Harborough Town FC in a friendly at the Harborough Community Ground on Saturday, July 27.
Merthyr have a home game against newly promoted JD Welsh Premier League side Penybont FC on Friday, August 2.
Pre-season fixtures for Merthyr Town FC
July
Saturday 6 v Swansea City Under-23s (Home, 3pm)
Saturday 13 v Abercwmboi (Home, 3pm). Alzheimer’s charity match
Tuesday 16 v Cwmbran Celtic (Home, 7.30pm)
Saturday 20 v Cardiff Met (Away, 2pm)
Tuesday 23 v Newport County (Home, 7.30pm)
Thursday 25 v Penydarren BGC (Home, 7.30pm)
Saturday, 27 v Harborough Town (Away, 3pm)
Wednesday 31 v Aberfan (Away, kick-off TBC)
August
Friday 2 v Penybont FC (Home, 7:30pm)
