Hillman Returns to Martyrs

Tom Hillman has left JD Cymru Premier side Llanelli Town to re-join Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South club Merthyr Town ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Hillman made his debut for the Reds against Undy Athletic at Stebonheath Park in January 2022.

He has since gone on to make 43 appearances for the club whilst also scoring 8 goals.

The 22-year-old winger left the then-`mothballed` Martyrs in September 2020 and joined Southern Premier Division Central side Redditch United before returning to Merthyr in May 2021.

He had only been with Merthyr first time round since July 2020 after signing from Southern Division One South side Larkhall Athletic.

He had joined the Larks in November 2019 from rivals Mangotsfield United.

He had re-signed for the Mangos in July 2019 following his release by League Two side Newport County.

A tricky winger, he made his debut for the first team in the Checkatrade Trophy against Cheltenham Town in November 2017, but that was his only senior outing for the Exiles.

He spent from February to the end of the 2018/19 season on loan with the Mangos and was a very popular figure at Cossham Street.

Meanwhile, Nick Rhodes has become the latest player from last season’s squad to agree to stay with the Martyrs for 2023/24.

Rhodes joined Merthyr last summer after arriving from Yate Town where he worked under Martyrs` boss Paul Michael and Andrew Smith.

In his debut campaign which was heavily hit with injuries, the experienced defender made 9 appearances for the club, with the Martyrs losing just one game when he featured.

Michael told his club’s website: “Rhoder is back next season and I’m absolutely delighted.

“He only lost one game in a Merthyr jersey last season so if we can get him fit and injury free for 25 games instead of 9 then it will have a huge impact on our league position. He’s an excellent defender, reads the game so well, organises the defensive unit and is very secure and reliable in possession.

“Nick’s experience is also invaluable to all the younger players we have in that area of the pitch and I can’t wait to get in pre-season and start working with him again”.

Merthyr Town Web Site