Noah Smerdon

Merthyr Town Football Club is pleased to announce that Noah Smerdon has agreed terms ahead of the 2023/24 Southern League Premier South season.

The left-footer started the 2022/23 season with Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division side Tuffley Rovers, prior to joining the Martyrs before a brief spell at league rivals Weston-super-Mare in 2021/22.

Smerdon was part of West Bromwich Albion’s academy, but he left in 2017 to take his A-Levels and play for hometown club Gloucester City, who were then in the Vanarama National League South.

In 2019, the former England Schoolboy international was signed by League One Exeter City and during his time at St James`s Park, he appeared on loan for Tiverton Town, playing 26 times and scoring four goals, and for National League South side Chippenham Town, for who he played seven times.

In his debut campaign with the club, the full-back made 24 appearances, scoring two goals.

Speaking after the agreement, manager Paul Michael said: “Noah’s a player with excellent experience at this level and above, he had a very good first season with Merthyr and we’re really pleased to have him back next season as I know he became a real favourite to a number of supporters with his forward runs and excellent recovery tackles.

“From a manager’s perspective he was given a very tough role at times last season pushing right up into the last line in attack and being expected to get back in instantly to defend. He showed the fitness level to be able to do it, along with good quality in all areas of the pitch. Noah’s just the type of player we need to keep at this stage of his career if we want to go to that next level as he’s another who’ll be better next season.”