Merthyr Town: The National League North side takes inspiration from Wrexham’s rise

Merthyr has no shortage of star names who have dipped into their own wallets to help. Line of Duty star Vicky McClure and her director husband Johnny Owen, who is from Merthyr, are among the club’s 150-plus owners, along with former Wales international Joe Morrell.

But any major takeover – by a company or individuals who can propel Merthyr up the divisions quickly, as Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mack did at Wrexham – is likely to lead to a major change in its ownership structure.

“Unfortunately, we are a fan-owned club,” said Barlow, who has seen more ups and downs than most during his 65-year involvement with Merthyr, from player to kit man, physiotherapist to board leader.

But fan ownership is what Wrexham was before Rob and Ryan infiltrated Stok Cae Ras and changed the world as Red Dragons fans knew it in 2021.

“Yes, and those guys [Rob and Ryan] “They came in and put their hands in their pockets,” Barlow said.

“We haven’t come up against anyone like that at the moment, but we’ve had some good sponsors and, as I say, we talk to people weekly.

“We’re starting now for next year. Regardless of where we finish, we still want to be in a better position financially and on the field than we are now.”

“One side of the land is perfect, but we have another area that I think the Romans built when they had a fort in the corner!”

Keep moving, keep looking for new forms of investment. The responsibility to do this comes from the need to continue to support the man leading Merthyr to a second successive promotion, manager Paul Michael.

“We’re working as hard as we can because we want to support this guy, and we want the best team we can afford,” Barlow said.

“The better results we can get with that guy in charge, it helps us in the long run.”

Appointed after leaving Yate Town in April 2022, Michael has transformed Merthyr from Premier South relegation hopefuls to National League hopefuls.

“It was a real step into the unknown, but we developed and grew and got better and better,” said Michael, who has managed to overcome the loss of 23-goal top scorer and Pendarin hero Ricardo Reis, who signed for Forest Green Rovers in December.

“Over the last few weeks, we’ve probably been the most in-form team in the league, but we’re competing against full-time teams. We have no right to stay there, really.”

“If we are lucky enough to reach the National League, we will try to take it all in our stride. It will be an incredible achievement for a part-time team, although we still have a long way to go.”

“What’s happening here is great for Welsh football, not just for Merthyr Town.”