Swansea City have signed teenage goalkeeper Lewis Webb from Southern League Merthyr Town.
Webb, aged 17, played first team football for the Martyrs last season and manager Gavin Williams said: “I wish Webby all the best in his career.
“He has been an absolute pleasure to work with. The commitment and dedication he has shown since coming into the first team squad to cover us has been absolutely tremendous.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Merthyr have signed two goalkeepers over the summer with former Cardiff City player Cameron Clarke and ex-Hereford man Alex Harris both joining the club.
Webb, who made 17 first team appearances for Merthyr Town last season, and kept a number of clean sheets.
His displays at club level quickly attracted the attention of Wales and he has earned international. Caps Welsh schools, under-18 and under-19 levels.
Merthyr Town chairman Jonathan Davies said: “Everybody at the club cannot speak highly enough of Lewis as a footballer and a person.
“His development is also great testament to the work our coaches have done in nurturing his talent since he arrived at our academy. We look forward to monitoring his development at Swansea City.”
Merthyr have signed five new players for the 2019-20 and they are Clarke, Harris, Jamie Bird, Lewis Binns and Gethyn Hill.
The Martyrs have also snapped up former Manchester United and Cardiif City player Derek Brazil.
The Irish International will be guest speaker at the Met Coaches Stadium on Friday, August 30.
During his career Brazil made more 200 appearances in the Football League and represented Republic of Ireland at youth and B levels.
After being spotted playing football in his home country, Brazil joined the youth system at Manchester United, making two league appearances for the first-team.
He later captained the United’s reserve side.
Lewis Webb signs for Swansea 🗣
Well done and good luck to @LewWebb1 with his new journey at @SwansOfficial – we would like to thank Lewis for his commitment during his time at the club. Shows what can be done at our club if you are willing to work hard.https://t.co/rJhRJo0f37 pic.twitter.com/0V5AKt01F5
— Merthyr Town Development Squad (@MerthyrTownDev) June 25, 2019
Brazil had loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Swansea City before leaving Old Trafford on a permanent basis in August 1992, joining Cardiff City for a fee of £85,000.
In his first season at Ninian Park, he helped the side win the Third Division title and the Welsh Cup and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club before moving into non-league football with Newport County.
Tickets for an evening with Derek Brazil cost £20. On the night there will be refreshments available which include chicken curry and chips. Tickets available from Wayne on 0785276947 or Richard on 07852950486.
Merthyr Town pre-season fixtures:
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)
https://t.co/9yHgFFCXBc pic.twitter.com/Xu4naYenRz
— Lewis Webb (@LewWebb1) June 25, 2019
EvoStik Southern League Premier clubs:
Beaconsfield Town
Blackfield & Langley
Chesham United
Dorchester Town
Farnborough
Gosport Borough
Harrow Borough
Hartley Wintney
Hayes & Yeading United
Hendon
Merthyr Town
Metropolitan Police
Poole Town
Salisbury
Swindon Supermarine
Taunton Town
Tiverton Town
Truro City
Walton Casuals
Weston-super-Mare
Wimborne Town
Yate Town