MICHAEL Flynn says Welsh clubs need to stick together after Newport County AFC fans raised money to help crisis club Merthyr Town this week, writes Andrew Penman.
A bucket collection at County’s home clash with Barnet on Tuesday raised £265 for the Martyrs, who are facing an overdue tax bill believed to be in the region of £25,000.
And Flynn feels plenty of sympathy for the Exiles’ near neighbours and their manager Gavin Williams, who was forced to field a youth team in last week’s 13-1 defeat at Chesham United.
“I know Gavin well, I’ve known him for a long time, and us Welsh clubs need to stick together,” said Flynn.
“We want to help them any way we can.
“We’ve been in that situation before and it’s not nice to see.
“I hope they raise enough and it helps them get through to the end of the season.
“They can address things then and start making more realistic financial plans.
“The County fans are unbelievable,” he added.
“They chipped in to buy our club and they’re chipping in to help Merthyr as well.
“I’m almost certain they’d do the same to help out Cardiff in that position, because they’re passionate Welsh football fans.”
I've #justdonated to Save our community club Merthyr Town FC. There is an outstanding tax bill to be settled as soon as possible. We now know the debt is £25k. Donate on @justgiving and help raise £25000 https://t.co/RbI9x3dVyY ""
— Daniel Gabbidon (@Gabbidon35) November 22, 2017
Cwmbran’s Danny Gabbidon has donated £1,000, while Newport-born Hollywood star Michael Sheen has given a further £250 via justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mtfc-2017appeal.
Sheen has also helped to publicise Merthyr’s #PackThePark campaign, which is encouraging fans of all teams to turn up to support the team in tomorrow’s home clash with Dorchester Town (kick-off 3pm).
This Saturday at 3:00 supporter-owned @MerthyrTownFC need your support. If you can get down there to stand with them at a tough time then please do #PackThePark https://t.co/ZF7m38zkRg
— michael sheen (@michaelsheen) November 21, 2017
County academy prospect Momodou Touray (above) was on loan at Penydarren Park but has now returned.
“Modou is back. His loan finished anyway,” explained Flynn.
“He’s been away with the Wales under-19s, where he’s done very well, and he’s someone that I’ll keep around the first team – along with Jay [Foulston] – just to monitor them.
“I think it’s more beneficial them training with us than playing with the academy, if I’m honest.”
Flynn says Aaron Williams and Jazzi Barnum-Bobb, who are on loan at Brackley Town and Torquay United respectively, could be given a chance to impress when they return in January.
“I’ll never rule anybody out,” he said. “I’ve got no problem with Aaron or Jazzi – they are great lads, they work hard and they come in with smiles on their faces.
“But they weren’t getting games and I’ve got to balance the books as well as being fair to them.
“I told Aaron to go out and score some goals and we’ll address things in January.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here