Forest Green Rovers continue their 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 National Enterprise League North opposition.
This will be Rovers’ third pre-season friendly of the summer, having already faced Bishop’s Cleeve and Slimbridge.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, here’s everything you need to know as we prepare for the trip to South Wales.
Opposition – Merthyr city
Nickname – Martyrs
Last season – 8th place, 70 points (National League North)
Merthyr Town are preparing for their second season at National League North level after promotion from the Southern League Premier League in 2025.
Martyrs had an excellent first campaign in the second stage, finishing in 8th place, narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs.
The Welsh club got off to a great start last season but their form dipped towards the end of January and they ultimately suffered a setback. This was not helped by Rovers signing top scorer Ricardo Rees.
The Saturday hosts have been very active this summer, having already signed seven players.
Signatories include the likes of Alice Watts, Ben Margetson, Jacob Maddox and Kane Simpson.
Manager – Paul Michael
Welshman Paul Michael currently fronts 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. In May, Michael signed a new two-year contract with the club, keeping him at Penydarren Park until the summer of 2028.
As well as previously managing Yate, Michael has also worked for hometown clubs Riska United and Cinderford Town.
One to Watch – Will Spears
Will Spears enjoyed two very successful loan spells at Merthyr last campaign, making 22 appearances across both spells.
The 20-year-old signed a permanent deal with The Martyrs this summer after his contract with Cardiff City expired.
The right-back has been part of Cardiff’s academy since the age of seven and signed his first professional contract in July 2024.
Spears made his debut for Cardiff against Newport County in the last Vertu Trophy campaign.
The Merthyr new signing also played and scored in the same competition as the Bluebirds defeated Arsenal U21S 3-1.
