Former West Ham and Wales midfield player Gavin Williams is hoping for a promotion double over the next couple of seasons – with the Bluebirds and his Martyrs going up.
Merthyr Tydfil-born Williams is a big Cardiff City fan and believes they have the right manager in Neil Warnock.
“I can’t get to many games any more, but there is no question City have the right guy in charge,” says Williams. “Neil will keep them up, I have no doubt about that, and with the right signings in the summer they can launch a big challenge for promotion in 2017-18.
“He has all the experience. When City stay up I am sure he will be given the right backing.”
Cardiff are fifth from bottom going into Friday’s match at Brighton, while Williams and his Merthyr team are lying fourth in the Southern League Premier.
The Martyrs are unbeaten at home all season and take on Redditch United at Penydarren Park on Monday, January 2 (3pm).
While Warnock has been in club management for well over 30 years and 1,300-plus matches, Williams is in his first job as number one.
He was assistant to ex-Bluebirds defender Steve Jenkins last season before stepping up to take the main role.
“I learned a lot off Steve last season and now it’s my turn,” says Williams. “Yes, I have a few more grey hairs and there are certain things I am not keen on in the role, but there are also many things I do like.
“Man management at our level is massive. The better you do, the more other clubs take interest in your players.
“I don’t see what we can’t go up. We’ve played most teams already and there is nothing to be fearful about. We have an extremely good team and our target is to be still in and around it with four or five games to go.”
Merthyr’s latest win was 2-0 against Cinderford Town when Ian Traylor scored both of their goals.
Former Aston Villa, Sunderland and Jamaica player Darren Byfield is manager at Redditch United and they lie seventh in the Premier.
“I’m more than happy with how things have gone so far,” says Byfield. “My boys are really special and I hope the fans can start to see that now.
“They have a lot of potential to get even better as the season draws on.
“I know it’s difficult for the fans after finishing second last year and then only having two players left from that team, but it would be great if they can really get behind the lads now.
“Merthyr will be a tough game for us but it will also give us the chance to cut the gap.”
