Merthyr Town Football Club can confirm the transfer of Cole Jarvis to EFL League Two side, Newport County for an undisclosed fee.

Cole was originally part of the Merthyr Town Academy here at Penydarren Park, before then making his first-team debut at the age of 16 in the Southern League Premier South. After a handful of appearances, Cole left to gain valuable senior experience within the Welsh League system – he featured for Llanrumney United and Cardiff Corries, before then joining Newport City in the Ardal South East league and helped them gain promotion to the Cymru South. After his eye-catching performance in Newport City’s league winning season, Paul Michael brought Cole back to Penydarren Park in the Summer of 2024.

Cole played a key role in our Southern League Premier South title winning campaign last season and firmly became a fans favourite at Penydarren Park. Across his time with the Martyrs, Cole made 82 appearances and scored 17 goals – 7 of which have come this season in the Enterprise National League North.

Speaking on Cole’s next journey, Paul Michael said, “we quickly find ourselves in the position of pushing another football player on to fulfil their dream of going into the full-time game, this time with Cole Jarvis heading to the EFL with Newport County.

Cole is not someone who has fallen out of the professional game that has found confidence with us and returned, he is a Merthyr Town academy product who hasn’t been in the full time game, or even in a professional academy for that matter, and to see him have his EFL opportunity now will fill all Merthyr Town supporters with pride. He is an example of what our young academy players can achieve.

Cole made his first-team debut at 16 and since then he’s been out and played senior football at Llanrumney United, Cardiff Corries and Newport City where all the coaches and players have played key roles in his development. Cole’s development has accelerated in our environment, technically he’s developed significantly around his teammates, physically he’s a much fitter and stronger athlete than we signed from the Ardal South East 18 months ago and through working with our staff, tactically his understanding of the game is unrecognisable.

However, the credit for this move belongs with Cole. His attitude towards self-improvement, his desire and motivation to the best version of himself is what has allowed him to make these strides. I know Cole will now set about proving any doubters wrong as he’s done all his career and he won’t believe his progress has reached its limit yet, Cole we wish you every success!”

Everyone at Merthyr Town Football Club would like to thank Cole for his time at the club and wish him every success on his move into the EFL.