Hugo Montgomery and the Martyrs of Merthyr

A shame to have lost Ian to Pompey, but there's always a chance you can get him back via a loan deal or if things don't work out for him on the south coast. Your tactics are quite a throwback to the good old days, but as you progress up the leagues, it'll be imperative that your players sharpen up technically. I have no doubt that you'll do what's required to be successful

J_ames: Haha honestly I don't feel comfortable playing anything but 4-4-2 at this stage, but once we hit the Football League I might need to break out the 'experimental' 4-2-3-1.

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Merthyr Town have announced the signing of former Welsh international Marley Watkins on a one year deal worth around £25,000.

The 34 year old was released following an unsuccessful stint with The New Saints but just two seasons ago was playing Championship football with Hull City, and is seen as a major coup for the small South Welsh team.

A two-time Welsh international in 2017, Watkins has played at Championship level for 5 clubs (Barnsley, Norwich, Bristol City, Birmingham and Hull) and played over 450 league games across a 17 year professional career. He is only the second ex-Welsh international to join Montgomery's side, with George Williams having now spent two seasons at Penydarren Park.

Hugo Montgomery was pleased to secure a player of his experience and talent.

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Primarily used as a striker or winger throughout his career, Watkins is expected to play a variety of roles in the Merthyr side, including through the middle of park. Despite lacking the pace of his younger days, he is still a hard working, gut running player with a strong technical game. Watkins is believed to be the last signing for the club, not looking to overhaul their squad too much after a mid-table finish last season.

That is an absolutely astonishing signing. Despite his age, he will bring real quality to the side that could prove to be the difference this season.

Might have to upgrade his zimmer frame, put some better wheels on it to handle the muddy pitches that the conference has to offer In all seriousness: a great signing for the club. He'll be a good influence on the younger lads within the squad, and his experiences in big games will hold you in good stead.

ScottT & J_ames: Yep, huge signing for our club and could be a big difference maker. Might be a tad old but he's still got a few tricks left up his sleeve.

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Forest Green Rovers are even money favourites to go up as champions of the Vanarama National, with bet365 releasing their odds this morning.

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Beaten playoff finalist Chester (6-4), Fylde (5-2) and Hereford (3-1) round out the top four, with the likes of Morecambe, Ebbsfleet, Aldershot, Southend and Yeovil expected to fight for the playoff spots.

Kettering Town are considered favourites for the drop, paying 2-5, with Farnborough, Torquay, Sutton United and Eastleigh also expected to be in for a tough season.

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In the player markets, prolific National League goalscorer Alex Gilbert is set to battle the highly touted teen Connor Roles for the top goalscorer honours, whilst Chester’s Northern Irish midfielder Darren Fisk is favourite to be named Player of the Season, alongside Forest Green’s Greg Biggs, Fylde’s Alfie Doughty and the Southend pairing of Seyi Friday and Krisztian Hegyi.

Its been a good off season I feel. Some good additions that will hopefully help with the issues you face last season. In terms of the bookies thoughts, not much is expected of you but that could see you shock a few. Good luck!

Fair to say the league looks a lot different! Southend competing in the same division as the likes of Lancaster. That's something you couldn't have forseen a few years ago!

Watkins is a great deal and Merthyr themselves look like slight outsiders for this year, always a positive thing to be unsuspecting!

TheLFCFan: Love a good underdog status to be fair.

ScottT: Even last year we had Tranmere go up as champions. Love the subtle varieties when the save's 5 years in the future.

Jack: It's definitely worked in our favour previously, we relish being underdogs.

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Rhydian Rowlands and Jay Foulston (pictured) will stay on as captain and vice captain respectively for the 2025/26 season.

Young star Alan Williams was rumoured to be in the running for the vice captaincy, having established himself in the first team last season, but the club have stuck with the ever reliable Jay Foulston, set to begin his seventh season at the club.

Rowlands is still under transfer speculation from Northampton Town, but the 21 year old has allayed concerns by remaining as club captain, a post he has held since he was just 18 years old. After another stellar season which saw him shortlisted for National League Player of the Year, he will hope he can continue to power Merthyr’s rise up the tables.

I'm fully aware of Foulston's ability. He's a fantastic defender and will continue to serve Merthyr well in his vice-captaincy role.

I sadly don't know much of Foulston but judging by Scott's reaction and his role in the Merthyr hierarchy it sounds like great news for both and the spine of the team remaining.

Consistency is important for a club and something not many at that level can achieve. Keeping the same leadership group will only benefit you I think.