Merthyr Town suspend football operations for 2020/21 season

Merthyr Town have taken the decision to suspended playing operations for the 2020/21 season.

Fans are currently unable to attend sporting fixtures in Wales, whereas teams in Merthyr’s league have permitted spectators since August.

As a result of the restrictions imposed on them by the Welsh Government, income streams which fund the playing aspect of the football club have been affected.

The Martyrs had explored three options, including ground-sharing across the border, as well as staging games behind-closed-doors, but have ultimately decided to mothball the current campaign.

Merthyr are adopting the same approach of Guerney, who have pulled out of the Isthmian League due to travel restrictions.

The situation for Merthyr doesn’t look to be improving either with the county of Merthyr Tydfil now placed into a local lockdown, similar to the Rhondda Cynon Taf.

In a statement released on their club website, it read: “The Board have extremely reluctantly decided to submit a request to the Southern League that our 2020/21 season is ‘suspended’ with immediate effect.

“This suspension only involves the ‘football side’ of the Club and all of the community elements including hire of the 3G pitch and the hospitality section will continue to operate as normal.

“The board would like to reiterate just how difficult it was making this decision in these unprecedented times.

“The Board’s intention was to only act with best interests in terms of the preservation and long-term viability of the Club.”

As a result of their withdrawal, their FA Cup tie with Poole tomorrow has been forfeited and now the Dorset side will progress at their expense.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)