Merthyr Town: Former Cardiff City defender transfers from Barry Town

Merthyr Town have completed the signing of former Cardiff City defender Ben Margetson following his departure from Barry Town United.

Barry Town United revealed they had initially agreed a new deal with the centre-back, but Margetson ultimately decided to pursue a move elsewhere. His next destination has now been confirmed, with the defender joining the Martyrs ahead of the new season.

What are Merthyr Town getting in Ben Margetson?

Margetson arrives at Penydarren Park with an impressive pedigree. He is the son of Wales goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson and the older brother of Swansea City goalkeeper Kit Margetson.

The defender enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Barry Town United, where he was voted the club’s Players’ Player of the Season.

An ever-present figure in the Cymru Premier, Margetson started all 32 league matches and also featured in Barry’s European Play-Off defeat to Haverfordwest County.

The centre-back played a key role in Barry’s Nathaniel MG Cup triumph, featuring from the second round through to the final. He helped secure a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory that sealed the trophy in February.

Defensively, Margetson was part of a Barry side that boasted the second-best defensive record in the Cymru Premier, conceding just 33 goals throughout the campaign.

He also contributed significantly in attack, scoring seven goals and providing five assists from defence.

The move to Merthyr Town brings an end to Margetson’s three-year spell in the Welsh top flight. After joining Pontypridd United from Kidderminster Harriers, he went on to establish himself as a consistent Cymru Premier performer.

Across his top-flight career to date, Margetson has made 105 appearances and scored 12 goals.

Manager Paul Michaels on the arrival of Barry Town star

Margetson began his playing career with Cardiff City before gaining senior experience during a loan spell at Sutton United.

He later made the notable move across South Wales to the Bluebirds’ fierce rivals, Swansea City, where further loan spells at Bromley and Welling United helped continue his development.

Merthyr Town manager Paul Michael believes the defender possesses all the attributes needed to strengthen his side ahead of the new campaign.

“I am delighted to be able to bring Ben in. We feel that he’s a great fit for Merthyr Town Football Club. He’s very good on the ball but also has a very good record in aerial duels, defending the box and defending 1v1. We haven’t signed him for his bicycle kicks, but that’s a bonus!”

Michael revealed that the club had carried out extensive scouting before making their move and believes Margetson stands out among the best defenders available outside the professional game.

“We’ve watched countless hours of games and footage throughout the last season, and we feel that, of the players playing centre-back across South Wales and the West of England around our level, Ben is the best outside of professional clubs and what we already have.

“He’s an intelligent player who understands defending and has had a great grounding with Cardiff, Swansea and the Wales age-grade teams.”

The Merthyr boss also feels the defender is arriving at exactly the right stage of his career, combining academy-level coaching with valuable senior experience.

“Ben’s at the perfect age for a centre-back who has been playing senior football for a long time, gaining the experience to add to that academy upbringing, and I feel he’ll make a significant contribution to improving us this season.”

Michael added that he is encouraged by the club’s progress in the transfer market as preparations continue for pre-season.

“I’m really pleased with the way things are progressing this summer, and I can’t wait to bring this team together in pre-season. There’s more work to be done, but we’re putting a squad together determined to be better than last season.”