Merthyr Town Football Club is delighted to announce that Matthew Harris has agreed terms ahead of the 2023/24 Southern League season.

Matthew has recently reached 375 appearances for the Martyrs, making his debut back in 2006 for Merthyr Tydfil, while still playing a key role for the Martyrs Youth Team in their Welsh Cup win in 2006/07.

Matthew is a versatile player who can excel in several positions on the pitch, as well as grabbing a handful of goals along the way. Despite Matthew only being available for less than 50% of the 2022/23 season due to injuries and other commitments, he still managed to grab three goals, including a great strike at home against Weston Super Mare.

Matthew took over the role of caretaker manager of the club in February 2022, alongside current first-team coach, Craig Reddy, as they guided the Martyrs to a handful of victories in the closing stages of a difficult season.

Those final few victories meant The Martyrs finished in the final relegation place of the 2021/22 season, which played a key role in us getting the reprieve ahead of the 2022/23 season. Upon the appointment of Paul Michael in May 2022, Matthew returned to more of a playing role, as well as continuing to work alongside Paul Michael, Andrew Smith and Craig Reddy when required in a coaching aspect.

Speaking on the agreement with Matthew, Paul Michael said, “Mattie brings us experience, quality and versatility on the pitch, as well as showing leadership, humility and class off it. I am delighted he is remaining in his player role, first and foremost, as well as continuing with a coaching role also for next season.

“Last summer his season preparation was disrupted by marathon training, alongside having a little while out due to a calf injury towards the back end of the season. So I believe a full, dedicated summer to football pre-season will benefit him and allow him to play a key role in our continued progress.”