Merthyr Town are facing a financial crisis which has put the club’s future in doubt.
Member of the Martyrs’ board have resigned, while manager Gavin Williams says: “80% of the players have had to leave.”
Former West Ham and Wales midfield player Williams is sticking with his home-town club and will be in charge for the rest of this season.
Williams, though, has decided to take the club’s youth development team to Chesham United on Saturday while he sorts out how many players will be staying.
He will then have his new-look squad ready for action when Dorchester Town visit Merthyr on Saturday, November 25.
It is not thought the current situation is in danger of hitting the depths of 2010 when the Merthyr club went into liquidation, but it is serious.
Members of the board met with players to discuss the situation on Thursday and Williams met with each player individually afterwards.
He said: “80% of the players have had to leave, but I am still in discussion with some players about staying. I am confident we will be able to field a competitive team, but it will take a bit of time.
“I want to thank the players who have left for their contributions. The commitment and dedication every single player at the club has shown has been first class.
“They have been understanding of the situation I have found myself in and acted brilliantly. The boys are gutted for each other, the management team and especially the supporters.
“It’s a tricky situation, but we need to pull together now. We always have great support and we are going to need that now more than ever, which I am confident will happen after speaking to some of the supporters. We need to create an us against the world mentality.
“I know supporters are going to want to know as soon as possible what the make-up of the squad is going to be, but I don’t want to release bits and pieces here and there so please bear with me while I continue to work at it.
“I have been encouraged by the early talks I have had with a number of players and will announce more as soon as I can.
“Thanks for your patience continued support.”
Merthyr have earned 26 points so far this season, while Gosport Borough are bottom with only a single point. Only one club will be relegation from the Southern League Premier and Martyrs look capable of staying in the division.
There have been a number of resignations from the Merthyr Town FC board, and we would like to update you on the current position.
Lee Rossiter and Anthony Hughes have stepped down as co-opted Members, and Jamie Mack and Robert Parker have tendered their resignations. Jamie will remain in his role as football secretary.
We would like to thank them for their hard work and contributions.
An emergency meeting of owners will be held at Romans at the Loadlok Community Stadium on Monday, November 20 (7.30pm).
