MERTHYR MISS OUT ON SLIMBRIDGE STRIKER

A STRIKER who caught the eye of Merthyr Town’s Bristol-based scout Rod Vickery has joined their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division rivals Cirencester Town from Slimbridge.

Paul Fahy impressed with his pace and was top scorer and players’ player last season with Slimbridge.

Vickery has for a number of years watched up and coming opposition, giving a players breakdown to the Merthyr boss.

He has also looked at players from over the Sev- ern Bridge who might be interested in linking up with Merthyr. But the problem is that such players could command a certain wage, bearing in mind the travelling problem. With so many clubs nearer home, they may rule out a move to Merthyr.

The pre-season fixtures start on Saturday, July 9 when they play the now customary game with Penydarren Boys and Girls Club but this year at The Miller Argent Community Stadium, 2pm start.

Monday, July 18 sees Yeovil Town come to Merthyr for a friendly, Merthyr’s new manager Gavin Williams’ old club glad to help. Williams will be assisted by former player Dean Clarke, from Hereford, as he bids to select a squad for next season following Steve Jenkins’ departure to Hereford as No 2 to Peter Beadle.

Williams, of Pentrebach, ex-West Ham, Ip- swich and Yeovil etc, is related to another product from the same village, Gerry Ingram, a former Swansea City player, 197273 in their relegation battle, who also later played for the then Merthyr Tydfil and afterwards Ton Pentre before a spell as playermanager at Treharris.

He was a former Welsh schoolboy midfielder and was a student at Cardiff College of Education when he joined the Swans as an amateur in September 1972. He made 38 Third Division appearances, his only goal in Swansea’s 2-0 win at Brentford in September 1972.