Ian Traylor has former Martyrs captain Steve Williams in his sights after makes his 400th appearance for the club.
Traylor, who has scored almost 200 goals for Merthyr Town over the last decade, is 12 matches behind Williams.
Tomorrow, in a BetVictor Southern Premier clash with Wimborne Town at Merthyr’;s MatCoaches Stadium home, ‘Traylz’ looks certain to take his total to 401 and take another step towards the record.
Traylor, aged 30, has helped Merthyr win the Western League title, finish trop of Southern League South and win the Southern League Cup.
He also has won supporters player of the year plus Martyrs player of the year four times each.
“Hopefully there will be many more appearances to come along with more trophies and goals,” said Traylor.
One of the most iconic players @MerthyrTownFC in my lifetime and probably one of my favourite match day graphics!
Congratulations on your 400 appearances! @IanTrayz11 pic.twitter.com/vLDnEod8VR— Anna Williams (@AnnaArtwork) October 4, 2019
Player-manager Gavin Williams described the feat as ‘remarkable’, saying: “Congratulations to Ian for achieving 400 games for Merthyr.
“Many players don’t reach that figure over their career, so to reach the milestone at one club is truly remarkable.
“Neither Merthyr Town or I will truly appreciate what Ian does, and does consistently until that day comes when Ian isn’t wearing number 11 shirt any more.
“Ian has, on a number of occasions, turned down offers to move to other clubs for much more money. His commitment to Merthyr Town and understanding of the game has kept him where he feels best.”
Traylor admitted he was ‘lost for words’ after being told of the landmark appearances total, but said later: “To make one appearance for this club would have been an achievement, but 400! I’m lost for words.
“Thanks to Sheppy (Garry Shephard) and Danny Carter for giving me the opportunity to show what I was capable of and play for this great club.
“Coming from the Welsh League system it meant a lot to play for Merthyr, in a proper football ground and in front of proper fans who I have a lot of time for.
“I’ve seen how much this club means to them.
“I had to work hard to get into the team at first, but since I did I haven’t looked back. I’ve met some great people, played with some fantastic players and made friends for life.
“From a personal point of view I believe I have achieved a lot, making 400 appearances and scoring a lot of goals on the way to winning leagues and cups plus improving myself a lot as a player.
“I owe a lot to the managers I have played for. They’ve all been great, trusting me to be a part of their teams pushing me to better myself week in-week out.
“I like to think I’ve showed that year in year-out too. I don’t see the point in playing football if you don’t make demands from yourself to be better.”
Former Middlesbrough and Bournemouth player Danny Holmes brings his Wimborne Town team from Wimborne Minster in Dorset to the MetCoaches Stadium in Merthyr Tydfil this Saturday.
https://twitter.com/MerthyrTownFC/status/1180075331337773056?s=20
Merthyr have suffered four successive defeats and are 15th in Southern Premier, six places below Wimborne, but seven of their 10 points so far have come in home fixtures.
“Merthyr always seem to be stronger at home,” Holmes told Radio Wimborne.
“We did well there last season for the first 45 minutes and then they started to get on top in the second half. They’re certainly a different animal at home.
“But we’re going to go on the front foot and have a go. We won’t change anything. We’re going to keep to what we do and our methods.”
Merthyr play Wimborne Town on Saturday and are at home again on Saturday, October 12 when Blackfield and Langley are visitors.
