Ahead of this weekends FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie, Paul Michael has provided a squad update, as Merthyr Town Football Club can confirm that Liam Angel, Will Fuller, Joe Keeping, Isaac Richards and Abu Sama will be departing the club.

Goalkeeper Will Fuller joined the club in the summer of 2022, after departing National League South side, Bath City, making 47 appearances for The Martyrs since joining, Will departs the club and will be remembered by fans in high praise, especially with the role he played in our FA Cup First Round journey in 2022/23. Speaking on Will departing, Paul Michael said: "There have been a couple of changes to the regulations this season. Firstly, we are now able to name 5 substitutes and make 5 subs instead of 3 during a game this season. This means that whilst previously it has been a no brainer to have a goalkeeper on the bench for balance of the squad, carrying a goalkeeper on the bench now may put the team at a disadvantage. For example, at Walton a few weeks ago, we made a quadruple change but after that a couple of players picked up niggles and Will nearly found himself making his first appearance as an outfield player.

Then against Hanwell, I used Cole, Aneurin and Keiran to get us back into the game, but once we went in front, we used 2 defenders to see out the last few minutes, and Nick Rhodes heading out a dangerous long throw with his first touch. The balance of probability suggests Merthyr Town will therefore be better suited naming 5 outfield players on the bench due to the opportunity that presents to cover more scenarios and keep the team fresh.

Secondly, as a club we have had to carry two frontline goalkeepers and keep them happy as we are governed by a professional transfer window, that no other team in our league is. Therefore, if we suffered an injury at goalkeeper in the past two seasons, we were not allowed to go out and loan a professional goalkeeper, we could not transfer a contracted goalkeeper, and of course we cannot dual register in Wales. So, we have had to have two top class goalkeepers for the level. However, whilst we are still governed by this season, the have changed slightly and should we get an injury, we could move on a short-term loan from one of the EFL clubs within Wales.

These two changes have created the situation where I believe it’s best for Merthyr Town Football Club to go with 5 outfield subs in the majority of matchday squads, and as such it will be impossible to keep two top level goalkeepers happy through a season. This is no reflection on Will’s ability: he is an outstanding goalkeeper, and one who is deserving to play week in week out. Will is probably the most professional footballer I’ve met in non-league. Thank you to Will, and I mean a huge thank you for joining at the start of the project when I was appointed and believing in what we were trying to do.

Will’s professionalism, calm demeanour and attitude towards the club and teammates we will miss, and I will miss at every contact. Will is a top-class keeper and you’ll struggle to meet a nicer man in your lifetime – I know Will’s relationship with the supporters cannot be replaced.

Once a Martyr, always a Martyr – so we’ll be tracking Will’s career and future moves and successes. Thank you for your part in the two great season, the FA Cup run of 2022 was a particular memory that will stay with us all for a long time. Thank You Will!”

Defender, Liam Angel also departs the club after making 77 appearances over 2 years at the club, joining from Yate Town in June 2022, after Paul Michaels appointment at Penydarren Park. Liam scored three goals for The Martyrs during his time here and featured as vice-captain from 2023 onwards. Paul Michael spoke about Liams departure and said, “I have worked with Liam since 2017, when he came to Cinderford after leaving Newport County. Over that time, Liam has turned down numerous offers to remain playing in teams at Cinderford, Yate and most recently here at Merthyr. We’ve shown loyalty to one-and-other over hundreds of senior appearances, and I’m humbled that Liam chose to play football in our teams over the years. Thank you to Liam for his loyalty and dedication over all that time, managing shift work and turning down work or swapping shifts at a cost to himself whenever possible to be available for us. Our relationship throughout those years has been good, and I could trust that I had someone going onto the field that would give 100% to the cause every Saturday.

Upon his arrival at Merthyr, I immediately made him vice-captain due to his leadership qualities. Liam is an excellent defender and in his first season with us I thought he was immense, playing a key role in the FA Cup run and the run to finish in 9thplace. Liam will be missed by everyone for his big performances on the pitch and big character and presence off the pitch, who similarly to Will has given up his time off the pitch to our supporters. Liam is a fantastic player and person who I have no doubt will go on to make more memories, friends and great times in football. I will personally always remember great times and moments in two FA Cup first round qualifications together, play-offs and more importantly the enjoyable environments amongst good people that we’ve been a part of. Thank you, Ange!”

Young prospects, Joe Keeping, Isaac Richards and Abu Sama will also be departing to gain some valuable first-team football elsewhere. Joe Keeping will head to Cinderford Town and Isaac Richards will join Westfields. Paul Michael said, “all these players are such talented boys, but no one improves by not playing and right now these boys need to keep playing to keep developing and most importantly enjoying their football.”

Everyone at Merthyr Town Football Club would like to thank all the above players for their services and commitment to the Martyrs during their time with the club and wish them all the very best in their next career moves.