Merthyr Town manager Gavin Williams is working with one of the lowest playing budgets in BetVictor Southern League football – and the Martyrs are punching above their weight.
A statement by the board of directors reveals Merthyr have the second lowest budget in the Premier Division and one of the lowest the club have had for a number of years.
While Merthyr do not reveal the exact figure Williams has to work with the amount is ’65 per cent less than when Gavin Williams first became manager’.
Those details underline that Williams is achieving fantastic results and getting the best out of a talented squad who are committed to the club.
Merthyr Tydfil-born Williams signed for his home town club in 2013 and was appointed player/assistant manager the following year.
Following the departure of former Cardiff City and Wales defender Steve Jenkins as manager, Williams took charge in 2016.
Williams, now aged 39, takes his Merthyr squad to play Wimborne FC in Dorset on Saturday, while the Martyrs are at home against Yate Town on Boxing Day (1pm).
👀 News: There will be a 9am pitch inspection tomorrow morning ahead of our BetVictor Southern League Premier South fixture away at Wimborne Town 👇 https://t.co/fXH8mKFv16
— The Martyrs (@MerthyrTownFC) December 20, 2019
Merthyr’s directors issued a positive end of year club statement, saying: “As we come to the end of 2019, we would like to thank all owners, supporters, volunteers and sponsors for your continued support throughout the year.
“It’s fair to say that it’s been a topsy-turvy sort of year, however, we’re pleased to say that the club is in a much better financial position than at this stage last year.
“This has been down to the hard work and commitment of the catering and events team, who have ensured that the reputation of the club is firmly back where it belongs.
“There are already 14 weddings confirmed for 2020 as well as a good number of corporate and social functions, not forgetting the ever-popular Sunday lunches.
“Commercially, the Club has generated a high turnover of sponsorship, thanks to Howard King, with lots of local and new business support.
“The majority of home games have seen full hospitality sponsorship and the club were pleased to announce a kit sponsorship deal with Europlas a few weeks back.
“On the field has seen highs and lows, which is not unusual in the life of the football club.
“At the start of the season, a budget was set that was achievable and which has continued and will continue until the end of the season.
“It is the second lowest budget in the league and one of the lowest (65% less than when Gavin first became manager) the club has afforded for a number of years.
“With such a rich and successful history, expectations on the field are high, however the priority at this
moment is to maintain a good standard of football, while ensuring the club operates within its means. “The club thanks Gavin for putting a team together that can hold its own in the Southern League, but not without injuries, rules disallowing dual player registration and current limited resources.
“The board will continue with the 2010 slogan ‘Progress through stability’ and we encourage everyone to get behind the club.
“Undoubtedly there will be challenges ahead, however the club is at its strongest when everyone pulls together.
“Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you on Boxing Day – Merthyr Town v Yate Town 1pm kick-off.”
Admission prices for the Boxing Day match against Yate are: Adults £12; Concessions £9; under-16 £1.
Merthyr travel to play Wimborne at the J&B’s Stadium, Cuthbury on Saturday (3pm). The Martyrs are 14th, one place above the Magpies, with 22 points from 17 matches. Wimborne are also on 22 points, but from 20 fixtures.
During October, the Magpies lost 3-1 at the MetCoaches Stadium.
Merthyr were two up after 15 minutes with goals from Jarrad Wright (3 mins) and Ian Traylor (15 mins).
Joe Byrne replied just before the hour before Ryan Prosser completed Martyrs’ 3-1 win with a goal after 90 minutes.
Merthyr prepare for their final two fixtures of 2019 – Wimborne away, Yate home – hoping to end the year on a high note.
BetVictor Southern Premier South – 2019/2020
| Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | -Pts | Pts | |
| Truro City | 19 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 36 | 15 | 21 | 44 | ||
| Tiverton Town | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | 50 | 24 | 26 | 41 | ||
| Chesham United | 19 | 13 | 1 | 5 | 41 | 27 | 14 | 40 | ||
| Taunton Town | 18 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 37 | ||
| Swindon Supermarine | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 32 | 23 | 9 | 37 | ||
| Gosport Borough | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 24 | 18 | 6 | 33 | ||
| Farnborough | 20 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 26 | 32 | -6 | 29 | ||
| Salisbury | 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 30 | 23 | 7 | 27 | ||
| Poole Town | 14 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 28 | 16 | 12 | 26 | ||
| Hayes & Yeading United | 16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 31 | 26 | 5 | 26 | ||
| Metropolitan Police | 20 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 31 | 34 | -3 | 24 | ||
| Walton Casuals | 21 | 7 | 3 | 11 | 29 | 42 | -13 | 24 | ||
| Weston-super-Mare | 18 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 32 | 28 | 4 | 23 | ||
| Merthyr Town | 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 22 | ||
| Wimborne Town | 20 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 25 | 31 | -6 | 22 | ||
| Harrow Borough | 21 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 25 | 36 | -11 | 20 | ||
| Hartley Wintney | 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 19 | 26 | -7 | 19 | ||
| Blackfield & Langley | 19 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 22 | 32 | -10 | 19 | ||
| Yate Town | 19 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 22 | 34 | -12 | 18 | ||
| Hendon | 18 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 23 | 34 | -11 | 17 | ||
| Dorchester Town | 20 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 28 | 49 | -21 | 14 | ||
| Beaconsfield Town | 19 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 13 | 32 | -19 | 13 | ||