MERTHYR Town assistant manager Danny Carter is looking for his Martyrs to finish the season in true Championship style by winning their last two games of the season.
Already crowned champions of the Western League Division One two weeks ago, Merthyr are set to return to their natural home of Penydarren Park after playing at Rhiwdda, Taffs Well, this season having gone into administration and taken the hit of dropping three tiers.
With Premier Division football guaranteed next season, the club hope to build on excellent support, as statistically the best supported club in both the Premier and Division One.
“They have been brilliant this season,” said Carter. “If we can keep them with us for next season then that would be great because not only is it great support for the lads on the field, but also for the finances of the club’s trust.
“If we can be in a better financial position next year, then it makes everybody’s job just that bit easier and we can strengthen the team affairs a bit as well if we have the continued support.”
Merthyr have already been warned of a different sort of challenge next season after being dumped out of two cup competitions by Premier clubs this term and will have to improve if they are to make a serious attempt on next season’s title.
“We know we have to strengthen in certain areas of the field and we are in that process now,” said Carter. “We came unstuck in those cup competitions because the spine of the team wasn’t very strong and that is where we need to make sure we have the right personnel in and cover for the whole season.
“The club are totally looking forward to next season. We know that we’re not going to have it all our own way, but while we have that winning feeling in the club it’s important we hit the ground running next season and keep with the flow.
“There are a few youngsters we need to have a closer look at over the next two weeks and hopefully they will be given an opportunity to see if they can stand up to the competition.”
Merthyr travel to second-from-bottom Portishead on Easter Monday and then face second-placed Bridport next Saturday at Taffs Well.