MANAGER Garry Shephard is well ahead in his planning for Merthyr Town’s life back at Penydarren Park.
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“We have already signed 90 per cent of the players again for 2011-12,” says Shephard.
“There are one or two loose ends to be tied up with certain individuals, while we are also looking to add players and strengthen the squad overall.
“The players have done a fantastic job in winning the First Division and now we are aiming for back-to-back promotions.
“It’s going to be a lot tougher in the Premier Division, but we have a quality squad capable of taking Merthyr Town up again.”
Merthyr finished their season with an unbeaten 12-match run, 11 wins and then a 2-2 draw in their last fixture against Bridport
“We are champions, but I was disappointed with performances in our last three matches,” said Shephard.
“I can’t take away from the players what they have achieved and we didn’t lose the last three, but certainly we weren’t at our best.
“This football club has gone through the bad times and now, hopefully, this is the start of good times.
“We did the job in the league, but we didn’t have a good cup run.
“That’s something else we will be looking to do next season.
“Everybody will have a good break and the players will report back for pre-season training, fit and ready to go, on the last Thursday in June.
“We all believe this squad, along with two or three additions, is well capable of taking us up again next season.”
Former Leeds, Swansea and Neath player Craig Stiens was Merthyr Town’s top scorer with 23 goals this season and he added: “Nobody wants to leave Merthyr.
“We’ve won the title and this squad will be sticking together.
“We are in the Premier and we’ll go for it.
“This season has been one of the most enjoyable I have experienced.”
Stiens, aged 26, is a former Wales Under-19 international who edged out Marcus Griffiths in the battle to finish top scorer for Merthyr this season.
walesonline.co.uk