Merthyr Town Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of defender, Joe Woodiwiss.

The Martyrs have captured the signing of Woodiwiss after his contract came to an end at EFL League Two, Newport County. Woodiwiss spent a short time on loan with The Martyrs at the back end of the 2021/22 season, making a total of 16 appearances, before returning to the Exiles ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Woodiwiss is a product of the Newport County Academy, and on 12 November 2019, Woodiwiss made his debut for the club in the starting lineup for the 7–4 win against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy Southern Group E.

In June 2021 he signed his first professional contract with Newport County. Joe spent a short time on loan at Cymru Premier side, Pontypridd United at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign, before being recalled by Newport County for the remainder of the season.

Speaking after agreeing terms with Joe, Paul Michael said, “Woodie is someone who knows the club well after a successful spell here a couple of seasons ago. He’s had a difficult season at Newport last season with an injury and then limited playing minutes once fit so he’s very hungry to get back out on the pitch for Merthyr Town where he had such a good experience from the club and it’s supporters.

“Joe suits the way we want to play because he very rarely gives the ball away, is good one v one defending, quick to cover the ground and he is comfortable in possession.

“CB is a position we have plenty of competition however, Callum & Nick had injury issues last season plus Liam sometimes has work commitments so its my responsibility to safeguard us against that and it’s down to the players in that position now to make the jerseys their own.”