Merthyr boss Paul Michael says lessons learned from first National League North season

Merthyr Town manager Paul Michael is convinced his side have learned valuable lessons from their maiden campaign in National League North, despite results tailing off after a promising start to the season.

The Martyrs stepped up to Step 2 last summer after clinching the Southern League Premier Division South title in style, and they made a strong impression in their new surroundings during the opening months of the campaign.

Strong start undone by key departures

Merthyr’s first-half form suggested they could push for a play-off place at the first attempt, but momentum was disrupted by the mid-season sale of top scorer Ricardo Rees to Forest Green Rovers.

The Welsh club were further weakened when midfielder Cole Jarvis was snapped up by Newport County, leaving Michael short of two key contributors just as the second half of the season got under way.

Those losses appear to have had a telling effect, with results dropping off in the closing stages of the campaign and Merthyr ultimately missing out on a play-off berth in their first season at this level.

Michael eyes lessons for next season

Despite the frustration of falling away, Michael is adamant his squad have picked up plenty of experience from competing at Step 2 for the first time, according to The Non-League Football Paper.

Adapting to a higher standard while coping with the departure of two influential players midway through the campaign will have tested the club’s depth and resilience, and Michael appears keen to build on those experiences heading into next season.

Merthyr’s rise through the non-league pyramid has been swift, and their first season in National League North will have offered a sharp learning curve as they look to establish themselves as a regular presence at this level.

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