Gavin Williams had just taken decision to step down as manager to resume playing.

Martyrs Loan Signing To Help Through To New Year

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Merthyr Town have signed former Newport County and AFC Wimbledon defender Ismail Yakubu on loan from Hayes & Yeading.

Manager Gavin Williams moved to sign the Nigerian-born player because the Martyrs have been hit by a series of injuries.

“To have a defender of Ismail’s experience joining Merthyr is a massive boost, especially with all the injuries that are affecting our numbers in defence,” Williams told merthyrtownfc.co.uk 

“It was important to bring in a defender ahead of the busy Christmas period.”

Yakubu is likely to make his debut for Merthyr in their BetVictor Southern League Premier fixtures against Poole Town in Dorset on Saturday.

The Martyrs’ players recovering from injuries include talented full-back Lewis Binns, who hasn’t made an appearance this season after suffering a hernia injury pre-season. 

That requires an operation which will see Binns out of action for another six weeks or more.

In addition to that, Kerry Morgan is expected to have a knee operation which will see the 31-year old ruled out for some time, while returning Dan Summerfield has suffered ligament damage.

He is expected be available in December.

Adam Davies has a minor groin injury and is out for two weeks, while Eliot Richards, Ben Swallow, Kyle Patten and Ryan Prosser are all suffering from niggling problems. All four, though, could be available at Poole.

New signing Yakubu, aged 34, has featured across the football league Newport County, AFC Wimbledon, Luton Town and Barnet before entering his way into non-league football after suffering anterior cruciate ligament injury.

He started his playing days with Barnet, joining them at 11-years-old, turned professional at 16 and made his first team debut a year later.

Manager Gavin Williams in charge of Merthyr Town training. Pic: MTFC.

Yakubu, who has also played for National League South side Hemel Hempstead. Kingstonian plus Hayes & Yeading, has committed to Merthyr Town until January 2, 2020.

He will be available for seven Southern League fixtures, three at the MetCoaches Stadium in Merthyr Tydfil and four away.

A decision is to be made one whether he can feature against his parent club Hayes and Yeading at home on Saturday, November 23.

Hosts Poole Town have had a month long break from Southern League fixtures. Their last league game was a 3-3 draw against Truro City on October 15.

The Dolphins have played FA Cup, FA Trophy and Dorset Senior Cup games since then.

“Our last game was a Dorset Senior Cup match and many of the first team squad didn’t play,” manager Tom Killick told the Bournemouth Echo.

“We would not normally want this type of period of inactivity, but we are positive and have had physical and intense training sessions. 

“Our intent has been to turn that into a positive. We won’t know until quarter-past five on Saturday how it has all panned out.

“Merthyr Town’s results have been a little up and down. They are a capable side.”

Poole’s leading scorer is Harry Baker with nine goals in 17 games, while Ollie Dennett is on eight in 16.

Merthyr visit the Black Gold Stadium after three successive drawn league matches against Salisbury, Beaconsfield and Dorchester scoring. 

Ismail Yakubu can play for Merthyr Town in the following fixtures

November

Saturday 16 v Poole Town (away)

Saturday 23 v Hayes and Yeading (home – to be decided whether Yakubu can play against his parent club)

Saturday 30 Hartley Wintney (home)

December

Saturday 7 v Hendon (away)

Saturday 14 v Walton Casuals (home)

Saturday 21 v Wimborne (away)

Boxing Day, Thursday 26 v Yate Town (home)

January

New Year’s Day, Wednesday 1 v Swindon Supermarine (away)

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