FAW offer Merthyr up to £6m to join Cymru Prem

Welsh football bosses have offered Merthyr Town a deal worth up to £6m to join Wales' top domestic league.

The Football Association of Wales want the Martyrs to leave the English non-league system and join an expanded Cymru Premier in 2026.

They are the only remaining non-league club from Wales in the English set-up, along with the English Football League (EFL) clubs Swansea City, Cardiff City, Wrexham and Newport County.

As a fan-owned club, members are due to vote on the FAW's proposal - originally made last November - by the end of January.

And Welsh football's governing body have written to owners outlining the compensation Merthyr would get for leaving the English system and incentives for joining the Cymru Premier.

In the letter, the FAW say they would commit £2m towards improving the infrastructure of Merthyr's Penydarren Park home.

They say they would try to double that figure to £4m by securing match funding from government bodies and local authorities.

The FAW say they would also guarantee Merthyr an annual payment of £250,000 over five years for competing in the Cymru Premier, plus an additional £30,000 for the 2026-27 season for any drop in attendances.

There would also be £25,000 towards Merthyr's 4G pitch fund, and up to £40,000 for the installation of a new television gantry.

The FAW say the total financial package is worth £5.95m.

Tempting Merthyr to join the Cymru Premier is part of the FAW's plan to revamp the division, having previously announced the league will expand to 16 teams and include a new end-of-season split into three divisions from 2026-27.

Wales' top flight currently consists of 12 clubs and, after each plays home and away, the league splits into two divisions of six.

Whether Merthyr fans would be tempted to join it - regardless of the seemingly generous financial package on offer - is another matter.

The club cherish their unique situation in the English system, and are in a strong position to be promoted to National League South - the sixth tier of the English game.

They are currently nine points clear at the top of Southern League Premier South after a crowd of 1,744 turned up at Penydarren Park for Tuesday's 1-1 draw with AFC Totton.

Merthyr say they will not comment on the financial incentives offered by the FAW until discussing the matter at a club board meeting next week.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football...s/cy0p9x3k58zo

Bribery.
Merthyr have nothing to gain by joining the Welsh league other than occasional random European games.
Why don't the FAW give the money to existing teams

Bad timing by the FAW with Merthyr flying in the league and drawing crowds of 1500 plus. I can’t imagine them accepting this

Bet the other League of Wales clubs are impressed.

FAW will eventually make a push for all Welsh clubs to be in their tinpot league.
This Euro bait is just the start.

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Originally Posted by bobh

FAW will eventually make a push for all Welsh clubs to be in their tinpot league.
This Euro bait is just the start.

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That's pretty obvious, but their appeals to us, Swansea etc won't be coming any time soon

So this is what the faw mean by the extra funds from their cup competition going towards grass roots football.

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Originally Posted by bobh

FAW will eventually make a push for all Welsh clubs to be in their tinpot league.
This Euro bait is just the start.

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There are a long list of clubs in Wales who have very very good reason not to trust the FAW.

They are absolutely not to be trusted and have shown it time and again. Cardiff should have absolutely nothing to do with them. We will regret it if we do.

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Originally Posted by The Bloop

So this is what the faw mean by the extra funds from their cup competition going towards grass roots football.

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Probably not

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Originally Posted by Father Dougal

There are a long list of clubs in Wales who have very very good reason not to trust the FAW.

They are absolutely not to be trusted and have shown it time and again. Cardiff should have absolutely nothing to do with them. We will regret it if we do.

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Our players are registered to the FAW, but i agree with your wider point.

4 questions.

1. If the FAW are happy to offer merthyr a 6 million bribe to join- how much would they offer cardiff city?

2. Would a desperate future owner of cardiff city take the call? Selling a dream of European football and the European super league etc.... if the call came at a time of significant financial difficulty for the club (which isn't hard to imagine) and was seen as a way out.

3. What could the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

4. What would the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

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Originally Posted by Father Dougal

4 questions.

1. If the FAW are happy to offer merthyr a 6 million bribe to join- how much would they offer cardiff city?

2. Would a desperate future owner of cardiff city take the call? Selling a dream of European football and the European super league etc.... if the call came at a time of significant financial difficulty for the club (which isn't hard to imagine) and was seen as a way out.

3. What could the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

4. What would the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

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Doubt the FAW could afford to ‘buy off ‘ the City.

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Originally Posted by Father Dougal

4 questions.

1. If the FAW are happy to offer merthyr a 6 million bribe to join- how much would they offer cardiff city?

2. Would a desperate future owner of cardiff city take the call? Selling a dream of European football and the European super league etc.... if the call came at a time of significant financial difficulty for the club (which isn't hard to imagine) and was seen as a way out.

3. What could the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

4. What would the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

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You forgot to mention the spacemen in their spaceships.

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Originally Posted by Father Dougal

4 questions.

1. If the FAW are happy to offer merthyr a 6 million bribe to join- how much would they offer cardiff city?

2. Would a desperate future owner of cardiff city take the call? Selling a dream of European football and the European super league etc.... if the call came at a time of significant financial difficulty for the club (which isn't hard to imagine) and was seen as a way out.

3. What could the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

4. What would the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

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They don't have the money to do that

FAW would obviously love for us to play in the Welsh leagues, but they know its not going to happen

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Originally Posted by Father Dougal

3. What could the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

4. What would the supporters of cardiff city do if a future owner decided to make the switch?

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March and March some more :hehe::hehe:







** disclaimer, this was just a joke and I fully support the rights of city supporters to March and protest, power to the people :thumbup:

I don't like it, we are British as well as Welsh. They would do well to remember that and stop stirring shit!

What has being British got to do with it? Are they trying to get Merthyr to leave the British league?

I understand it from the FAW perspective although I'm not sure it's money well spent for them. And for City we've got nothing to worry about until we are playing at that level, which I'm not sure even the clowns in charge of the club today could manage.

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Originally Posted by Armitage Shanks

Bribery.
Merthyr have nothing to gain by joining the Welsh league other than occasional random European games.
Why don't the FAW give the money to existing teams

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Football in Wales and the FAW have an almost impossible job in some ways. The only real way the Cymru Premier would ever be a success is if Cardiff, Swansea etc were all in it, yet what would be successful in Welsh league terms would be detrimental to those clubs currently in the English system. The possibility of being Welsh league champions and qualification to the Champions' League is something that clearly holds no interest for those sides, so the opportunity to improve the Cymru Premier will forever remain limited.

Scotland will be glad that Celtic and Rangers are still part of their league system and that they have never been able to join the English pyramid with the hope of getting into the PL. If you took the 6 or 7 main clubs out of Scotland, it's football structure would be massively weakened. It's also the argument for not having a European league because losing the top Premier League sides from the English structure would weaken the PL and rest of the league, yet it's precisely what happens in Wales.

Most will say "so what" when it comes to us, but I can understand the FAW's viewpoint on this as well.

Bad timing from FAW as Merthyr flying atm. However, they're probably at their peak in the English pyramid. If they do get promotion it's quite possible they will be transferred to National League North which would be a travelling hell, something I'm all too familiar with.

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Originally Posted by Llanishen Bull

Bad timing from FAW as Merthyr flying atm. However, they're probably at their peak in the English pyramid. If they do get promotion it's quite possible they will be transferred to National League North which would be a travelling hell, something I'm all too familiar with.

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FAW had to do it now because of the restructure they're implementing in 2026

I think you may be right that this is Merthyr's peak in England, its romantic to think they may crack the EFL but realistically that ain't happening. Title challengers & European football in the Cymru Premier is realistic though due to their relative size

Don't they play Welsh league clubs in pre season? Anyone know how they got on?

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Originally Posted by City123

FAW had to do it now because of the restructure they're implementing in 2026

I think you may be right that this is Merthyr's peak in England, its romantic to think they may crack the EFL but realistically that ain't happening. Title challengers & European football in the Cymru Premier is realistic though due to their relative size

Don't they play Welsh league clubs in pre season? Anyone know how they got on?

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I have no idea of this question, hence why I am asking it - is it just the lure of trying to get into the football league that is Merthyr's main reason for staying as part of the English pyramid?

I don't get why matches against Basingstoke, Swindon Supermarine and Totton are better than playing TNS, Connah's Quay or Barry. Why would yo-yoing around a few tiers away from the football league be more attractive than potentially being champions of a whole league with Champions' League games to follow?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bobh

FAW will eventually make a push for all Welsh clubs to be in their tinpot league.
This Euro bait is just the start.

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:thumbup:

Merthyr just lost their best player to Yeovil. Lewys Twamley, son of Suzanne who used to work for the City.

All the best to him. Terrific little player.

As for the 6m to join the Welsh league, it’s a headline the Daily Sport would be proud of. Absolute poppycock.

It is embarrassing for Merthyr that they choose to play in the seventh tier of English football against powerhouses such as AFC Totten and Dorchester over representing their town in the Welsh League and Europe

Wonder if they’ll come crawling back once the bubble bursts

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Originally Posted by TheBirchgrovePub

It is embarrassing for Merthyr that they choose to play in the seventh tier of English football against powerhouses such as AFC Totten and Dorchester over representing their town in the Welsh League and Europe

Wonder if they’ll come crawling back once the bubble bursts

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Crawling back where? Hasn’t their first team always played in the English system? The town had a Football League side 100 years ago, as did Aberdare. It would be embarrassing if they left where they are now, fell for the FAW’s idea, failed and then asked to rejoin the English system.
Newport fought tooth and nail against the Welsh FA and, eventually, came through it. They were treated abominably and should take that into account in any decision they make.

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Originally Posted by splott parker

Crawling back where? Hasn’t their first team always played in the English system? The town had a Football League side 100 years ago, as did Aberdare. It would be embarrassing if they left where they are now, fell for the FAW’s idea, failed and then asked to rejoin the English system.
Newport fought tooth and nail against the Welsh FA and, eventually, came through it. They were treated abominably and should take that into account in any decision they make.

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Crawling back to accept the 6 million on offer

Newport and Merthyr should both be in the Wesh league

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Originally Posted by TheBirchgrovePub

Crawling back to accept the 6 million on offer

Newport and Merthyr should both be in the Wesh league

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I don’t agree.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheBirchgrovePub

Crawling back to accept the 6 million on offer

Newport and Merthyr should both be in the Wesh league

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In the same argument so should us, Swansea and Wrexham.

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Originally Posted by Eric the Half a Bee

In the same argument so should us, Swansea and Wrexham.

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Wouldn’t disagree but I think there is something extremely poor in a no mark club that haven’t ever been in the football league and haven’t even been in the conference since 1994 choosing to play in the 7th tier of English football over the Welsh league.

Often see people on this board wishing them well but I’ve no idea why

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Originally Posted by TheBirchgrovePub

Wouldn’t disagree but I think there is something extremely poor in a no mark club that haven’t ever been in the football league and haven’t even been in the conference since 1994 choosing to play in the 7th tier of English football over the Welsh league.

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They were in the football league briefly, back in the glory days of the 1920s, but once they failed to get re-elected, that was it. It's such a long time ago that it has no relevance today.

I've asked a similar question in this thread and no-one has given a reply. I can only think it is the prospect of being able to join the football league that is the reason for staying where they are.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheBirchgrovePub

It is embarrassing for Merthyr that they choose to play in the seventh tier of English football against powerhouses such as AFC Totten and Dorchester over representing their town in the Welsh League and Europe

Wonder if they’ll come crawling back once the bubble bursts

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I think you might benefit from reading up a little on the reasons why Welsh clubs originally entered into the same football league system as English clubs.

Btw clubs such as Scunthorpe Utd and Hereford currently play at tier 6 - a drop down to that level can happen to anyone

If it happened to CCFC would you suggest a switch to the Welsh league system where we can start off against Aberbargoed Buds?

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Originally Posted by TheBirchgrovePub

Wouldn’t disagree but I think there is something extremely poor in a no mark club that haven’t ever been in the football league...

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You're displaying a lack of knowledge of Welsh football history, BP.

In fact, Merthyr joined the Football League in 1920 (the same year as Cardiff City). They were one of the founding members of the Third Division. In their first season they finished 8th in the table above the likes of Brentford, Brighton, Luton, Norwich and Portsmouth.

Merthyr played in the Football League for ten seasons until their application for re-election failed in 1930.

My uncle played for Merthyr in the Football League and scored goals against some decent clubs. Those of us in my family with an interest in football are quite proud of that fact - a Sugarman played and scored goals in the Football League. He also played in the Welsh League, but there are no records of his appearances or goals there.

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Originally Posted by Eric the Half a Bee

I've asked a similar question in this thread and no-one has given a reply. I can only think it is the prospect of being able to join the football league that is the reason for staying where they are.

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However unrealistic, that sense of maybe making it back to the Coference or even Football League? Even if it’s just a dream, and what do football fans love to do about their club? Matter of perspective I guess, but just think of all that “bigger than Barca” tosh in the Hammam-era. Sure plenty still think of the city as that sleeping giant waiting to conquer the Prem and Champions League… Now transpose that to a much lower level.

I’m not knocking the Cymru Prem but I don’t think it gives you that sense. It is also a relatively stale and static league with a small number of clubs and, particularly in the south, feeder leagues where clubs often can’t, or even don’t want to, get promoted to the top flight.

Playing in Europe has some of that appeal but I don’t think the lure is as compelling nowadays with all the rounds etc. involved. Hell, a lot of English clubs feel like they can’t be arsed often if they’re playing in the Europa League etc. Appreciate TNS got to play Fiorentina recently but how many decades has that taken for a Welsh club to reach that stage, millions and millions spent, and it took a change in format at UEFA to bring about too.

Don’t think most Merthyr fans would delude themselves about any of this though, it’s just what they’re used to and I’d wager majority of their fans like the status quo. More importantly, they’re fan owned so whatever the decision it’ll at least be their choice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kind of Blue

However unrealistic, that sense of maybe making it back to the Coference or even Football League? Even if it’s just a dream, and what do football fans love to do about their club? Matter of perspective I guess, but just think of all that “bigger than Barca” tosh in the Hammam-era. Sure plenty still think of the city as that sleeping giant waiting to conquer the Prem and Champions League… Now transpose that to a much lower level.

I’m not knocking the Cymru Prem but I don’t think it gives you that sense. It is also a relatively stale and static league with a small number of clubs and, particularly in the south, feeder leagues where clubs often can’t, or even don’t want to, get promoted to the top flight.

Playing in Europe has some of that appeal but I don’t think the lure is as compelling nowadays with all the rounds etc. involved. Hell, a lot of English clubs feel like they can’t be arsed often if they’re playing in the Europa League etc. Appreciate TNS got to play Fiorentina recently but how many decades has that taken for a Welsh club to reach that stage, millions and millions spent, and it took a change in format at UEFA to bring about too.

Don’t think most Merthyr fans would delude themselves about any of this though, it’s just what they’re used to and I’d wager majority of their fans like the status quo. More importantly, they’re fan owned so whatever the decision it’ll at least be their choice.

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I think all things are relative. For us, getting to play in the Europa conference league against hardly-heard-of clubs in far off European countries hasn't a great deal of appeal. However, TNS certainly take their Champions' League qualifiers against similar opposition far more seriously than we would and it would be a massive surprise to me if Merthyr fans would seriously prefer playing the likes of Totton and Havant and Waterlooville than potentially getting to the group stage in the Europa Conference. If City were in the fifth tier, I know which I'd rather.

I also reckon TNS are more well-known than Merthyr across the rest of the UK and beyond. I'm not saying I'm for or against Merthyr doing either, I just don't sign up for the "Welsh league = crap" and that's the end of it.

How high can Merthyr get before they need to upgrade the ground and what level would require a total rebuild?

On the wider point, to anyone that thinks dropping into the Welsh League with the lure of winning titles and qualifying for Europe is a good thing, take a look at the leagues from the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

Big clubs that got to European finals like Red Star Belgrade, Dinamo Tbilisi, Dynamo Kyiv etc. now play in backwater leagues with attendances a fraction of what they were while occasionally popping up in Europe to get thrashed. After a decade in the Welsh League I reckon Cardiff would get about 5000 for league games not against the Jacks.

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Originally Posted by Cardiff Ultra

Big clubs that got to European finals like Red Star Belgrade, Dinamo Tbilisi, Dynamo Kyiv etc. now play in backwater leagues with attendances a fraction of what they were while occasionally popping up in Europe to get thrashed.

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Excellent point.

When Cardiff City played away to Dinamo Tbilisi in the ECWC in 1976, the crowd was estimated to be more than 100,000.

Dinamo played a Europa Conference League qualifier against Mornar (whoever they are) in July of last year. Mornar won 3-2 on aggregate. The crowd for Dinamo's home leg was reported to be around the 4,000 mark (the crowd in Mornar's home leg was apparently 650).

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Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman

Excellent point.

When Cardiff City played away to Dinamo Tbilisi in the ECWC in 1976, the crowd was estimated to be more than 100,000.

Dinamo played a Europa Conference League qualifier against Mornar (whoever they are) in July of last year. Mornar won 3-2 on aggregate. The crowd for Dinamo's home leg was reported to be around the 4,000 mark (the crowd in Mornar's home leg was apparently 650).

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The attendance was probably 90% military personnel back in 1976

It was also the first match at their stadium

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Originally Posted by Eric the Half a Bee

I've asked a similar question in this thread and no-one has given a reply.

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I dont think anyone connected with Merthyr Town owes you an explanation, Eric. :shrug:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eric the Half a Bee

I also reckon TNS are more well-known than Merthyr across the rest of the UK and beyond. I'm not saying I'm for or against Merthyr doing either, I just don't sign up for the "Welsh league = crap" and that's the end of it.

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Whether you are for or against it is of absolutely no relevance to Merthyr Town Football Club. It always seems to be fans of other clubs who get their knickers in a twist on the subject of Merthyr joining the Welsh set-up. Its bizarre. Whatever they decide it will be voted on by the owners - the fans. And if they prefer their trips to Swindon Supermarine and Plymouth Parkway over playing the likes of Barry Town and Bala 4 or 5 times a year then that is their prerogative. There are some decent sized clubs at the next level should Merthyr get promoted. Some decent trips. They have a good away following, by far the best at their level, and trips along the M4 and down South are probably more appealing then Penybont away and the odd European hammering.

Cardiff City are shit and stuck in a rut, why dont they join the the Welsh set up and become the Celtic of the Welsh Prem?