Merthyr Town’s #PackThePark initiative has been gathering momentum throughout the week.
Manager Gavin Williams has worked tirelessly to ensure he is able to field a quality team against Dorchester at Merthyr’s Loadlok Community Stadium and his efforts have been described as ‘Herculean’.
The former Wales and West Ham midfield player will be in the Martyrs squad this weekend for what is a critical match as staff, players and fans aim to haul their club back from a financial crisis.
Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who played Brian Clough in “The Damned United’ film, has donated £250 to the cause, while former Cardiff and Wales defender Danny Gabbidon has given £1,000.
Sheen tweeted: “This Saturday at 3pm supporter-owned Merthyr Town need your support. If you can get down there to stand with them at a tough time then please do #PackthePark”
Gabbidon said on social media: “I’ve donated to Save our community club Merthyr Town FC. There is an outstanding tax bill to be settled as soon as possible. We now know the debt is £25k. Donate and help raise £25,000.”
Support in all areas over the last seven days has been astonishing and Merthyr’s justgiving page has already raised £16,000-plus, well on the way to the £25,000 target.
Doug Neagle, a member of the new interim board and a leading figure in fan group the Park View Martyrs, admits he’s been taken aback by the generosity shown.
“This is the fourth time I’ve gone through this and it hurts every time. When we became a fan-owned club I didn’t think this would ever happen again.
“I’ve been gobsmacked at how many people have come out of the woodwork. It’s not just football fans either, but the whole of the sporting fraternity.
“There are people out there who don’t earn a lot of bucks and have still donated and that knocks you back a bit.
“I think the situation brings out the best in people. With the people we have here. We’ll survive.”
League Two Newport County took a bucket collection ahead of their game with Barnet in midweek, while fans from Cardiff City, and even bitter rivals Hereford, have made donations.
The fan-owned Martyrs are faced by major financial problems that has resulted on all but five members of the board and 80 per cent of the playing staff leaving.
Manager Gavin Williams attended the emergency meeting in midweek along with seven first team players including Curtis McDonald, Ian Traylor, Ashley Evans and Jarrad Wright.
Former Cardiff City goalkeeper Cameron Clarke has returned to the club to help out, while Williams is also set to play.
“It’s been really tough and emotional,” says Williams. “Nobody can ever question the dedication of the players who have stayed.
“By Saturday 3pm I’m hoping to at least have a team that can give Dorchester a game.”
It’s been seven years since the club’s reformation following the collapse of predecessor Merthyr Town FC and now the Martyrs are fighting for their lives again.
They have been promoted three times during that time and their immediate task now is to ensure they are at Southern League Premier League level. Only one team will be relegated and Gosport are deep in trouble at the bottom, 22 points behind mid-table Merthyr.
More than 1,000 spectators are expected at Merthyr Town for the Dorchester match.
Off the pitch, Merthyr have had a number of members ready and willing to contribute to the interim board comprising Paul Donovan, Phil Mack, Phil Evans, Julian Axhorn and Phil Howells but new members David Webb, Douglas Neagle, Les Howells and Jonathon Davies.
Donovan will take the role of interim chairman and Phil Mack is secretary.
Board elections due to take place in January will be brought forward as soon as practically possible and the full process is to be completed before Christmas.
Tickets for the Boxing Day clash against Hereford will be on sale in the club shop on Saturday. That is an all ticket match.
After the game against Dorchester both Webley’s and Romans bars will be in full use.
Entry will be free Downstairs in Romans ‘Phil The Mod’ playing Mod and Northern Soul classics, while Webley’s will be screening the Wales v New Zealand International and Liverpool v Chelsea.
Merthyr’s remaining fixtures in 2017:
November: Saturday 25 v Dorchester Town home; Tuesday 28 v Tiverton Town away.
December: Saturday 2 v Biggleswade Town home; Saturday 9 v St Neots Town away; Saturday 16 v Kings Langley away; Saturday 23 v King’s Lynn Town home; Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 v Hereford home (1pm kick-off).
Admission: Adult £10; Concessions £8 (Over 65’s, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County season ticket holders); Merthyr RFC season ticket holders £5; Under 16 £1.