Merthyr Town: 51-goal star transfers to Penydarren Park alongside ex-Bristol City forward
Merthyr Town have bolstered their attack with two signings. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Merthyr Town have bolstered their attacking options ahead of the new season with the signing of prolific striker Iwan John from newly-promoted Caerphilly Athletic.
The 25-year-old arrives at Penydarren Park following a remarkable campaign in which he played a pivotal role in Caerphilly Athletic’s historic Ardal South East title-winning season.
John was one of the standout performers in Welsh football last term, contributing an astonishing 51 goals in all competitions while also registering nine assists. His goalscoring exploits helped fire Caerphilly to promotion and established him as one of the most feared forwards in the domestic game.
The move represents a significant step up for the striker, who will now test himself in National League North football. In doing so, John bypasses the Cymru Leagues altogether, making the jump directly from the Welsh third tier into the English non-league system.
His arrival is a coup for Merthyr Town as they continue to strengthen their squad, adding firepower and attacking quality.
How do Caerphilly Athletic respond?
For Caerphilly Athletic, however, John’s departure leaves a considerable void to fill. The club is preparing for its first-ever season in the Cymru South and will now face the task of replacing the goals and creativity that were central to last season’s success.
Despite losing their star striker, Caerphilly will be hoping the foundations built during their championship-winning campaign can help them adapt to life at a higher level as they embark on a new chapter in the club’s history.
In response to John’s departure, Caerphilly Athletic have moved quickly to secure their first signing of the summer transfer window, bringing in Izaac Follon, who had a spell at league rivals Caerau Ely.
Follon joined the Cwrt-yr-Ala outfit last summer from South Wales Premier League side Dinas Powys and went on to make 18 appearances for the Young Guns during the 2024/25 campaign.
The 23-year-old was part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup and contributed one assist during his time at the club. However, he was absent from Caerau Ely’s final run of fixtures as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Cymru Premier.
Caerphilly will hope the attacker can help fill the void left by John as they prepare for their maiden Cymru South campaign.
Former Bristol City striker arrives at Merthyr
Former Wales youth international Sam Pearson has also joined the ranks ahead of the 2026/27 season as the Martyrs look to
The 24-year-old attacker arrives at Penydarren Park boasting experience across the English football pyramid, as well as an impressive international pedigree after representing Wales at youth level from Under-17 through to Under-21.
Pearson earned 13 caps for Wales Under-21s, scoring once during his time in the national setup, and was regarded as one of the country’s brightest attacking prospects during his development years.
A product of Bristol City’s academy, Pearson progressed through the ranks at Ashton Gate before gaining valuable senior experience through a series of loan and permanent moves across England and Scotland.
Throughout his career, Pearson has represented Bath City, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Yeovil Town, AFC Wimbledon, Weston-super-Mare, Eastleigh and Dorking Wanderers.
Comfortable playing on either flank or through the centre, the versatile forward has built a reputation as a hardworking and intelligent attacker capable of contributing both goals and assists.
His most productive spell came at Weston-super-Mare, where he scored 16 goals in 47 appearances, earning further opportunities in the National League with Eastleigh and Dorking Wanderers.
Pearson’s arrival represents another significant addition for Merthyr Town as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.
With Football League experience, National League pedigree and a strong international youth background, the former Wales Under-21 international brings quality, versatility and proven attacking ability to the Martyrs’ ranks as preparations continue for the season ahead.
