Match Preview | Merthyr Town (A)
A look at our pre-season opponents
Forest Green Rovers continue preparations for the 2026/27 Enterprise National League season with a trip to Merthyr Town on Saturday.
Robbie Savage's side head to Penydarren Park to take on Enterprise National League North opposition.
This will be Rovers' third pre-season friendly of the summer, having already faced Bishops Cleeve and Slimbridge.
Ahead of Saturday's clash, here is everything you need to know as we prepare for the trip to South Wales.
The Opposition - Merthyr Town
Nickname - The Martyrs
Last season - 8th, 70 points (National League North)
Merthyr Town are preparing for their second season at National League North level following promotion from the Southern League Premier South in 2025.
The Martyrs enjoyed a fine first campaign in step two, finishing 8th, narrowly missing out on a play-off spot.
The Welsh club got off to a flying start last season but suffered a dip in form towards the end of January and eventually fell just short. This was not helped by Rovers' signing of leading goalscorer Ricardo Rees.
Saturday's hosts have been very active this summer, making seven signings already.
Signings include the likes of Elis Watts, Ben Margetson, Jacob Maddox and Kane Simpson.
The Manager - Paul Michael
Welshman Paul Michael is the current man in charge of The Martyrs.
Michael joined the club in April 2022 from Yate Town.
The 40-year-old led the club to the Southern League Premier South title in 2025. Michael signed a new two-year contract with the club in May, keeping him at Penydarren Park until summer 2028.
As well as previously managing Yate, Michael has also had spells with hometown club Risca United and Cinderford Town.
One to Watch - Will Spiers
Will Spiers enjoyed two highly successful loan spells at Merthyr last campaign, making 22 appearances across both spells.
The 20-year-old signed permanently for The Martyrs this summer following the expiry of his contract at Cardiff City.
The right back had been a part of Cardiff's academy since the age of seven and earned his first professional deal in July 2024.
Spiers made his first team debut for Cardiff against Newport County in the Vertu Trophy last campaign.
The new Merthyr man also played and scored in the Bluebirds' 3-1 win over Arsenal U21S in the same competition.
