Merthyr put into administration

The club has had electricity to its ground cut over unpaid bills

Merthyr Tydfil Football Club has been placed into administration.

The debt-ridden Southern League Premier Division club's Supporters Trust made the application to the High Court on Friday which was granted at 1045 BST.

Mark Bowen of MB Insolvency has been appointed administrator and he will assess the viability of the club and if it should be sold to a third party.

"It was absolutely necessary that this happened," said Merthyr Supporters' Trust general secretary John Strand.

"I think most supporters will feel it's a step forward.

"We've been working hard to get it, so I think it's a positive thing.

"It's a chance for a new start with new people running the club."

Last month, the Trust won a court reprieve against a HM Revenue and Customs bid to have the club wound up with debts of around £315,000.

The club's owner Wyn Holloway had previously told the Trust that he would relinquish control if they took over the financial burden.

The Trust have tabled two offers but Holloway said recently: "They want me to pay off the debt then let them take over the club, that is not possible."

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Merthyr, who finished seventh in the Premier Division, have no electrical power at their Penydarren Park ground and the club's players have suffered spells without being paid this season.

Holloway recently admitted he had no more money to finance the 64-year-old Martyrs.

After today's development, Strand said the Trust would be looking to be involved in a takeover of the club either as a partnership or alone.

He said: "We certainly would be interested in making a bid but are not averse to working with other people who have more resources than us if they wish to make a bid.

"I know there are people interested, but if we have to, we will work on our own."

Non-league club, Merthyr have had moments of glory including beating Italian club Atalanta 2-1 in the first leg of their European Cup Winners Cup tie in 1987.

The Martyrs played in the Conference, just below the Football League, for six seasons until 1995.