The Martyrs have signed defender Luke Cummings (pictured) from JD Cymru Premier side Barry Town United for the remainder of the season.

The 30-year-old began his career with Championship side Cardiff City as a teenager, before featuring for a number of Cymru Premier sides, including Neath, Carmarthen Town and Barry, making over 200 appearances.

He also crossed the bridge and played for Vanarama National League South outfit Bath City from July 2012 until January 2013.

Cummings has featured 25 times for Barry this season.

Merthyr boss Dean Clarke told his club`s website: “It's an exciting signing for us.

"I know he has the qualities, drive and characteristics to be a successful player in a Merthyr Town shirt. He is someone I’ve monitored closely for some time, and I’m delighted he will join up with the squad until the end of this season.

“He is a player who has been hard to get because of the amount of competition from other clubs during this window, but I'm delighted to get this short-term deal over the line.

“He will add strength and depth to our defence, and bags of quality as we approach the business end of the season.”

Meanwhile, departing the club are Morgan Clarke and Daniel Barnard.

Clarke joins Cymru South side Ammanford AFC in order to play more regular football, while Barnard joins Llanelli Town.

Clarke, 19, joined Merthyr after being released by Championship side Swansea City in the summer of 2021 after a short trial period with Scottish side Dundee United

He was a regular for the Swans` under-21s and under-23s.

Barnard, 28, is an experienced defender who signed for the Martyrs in August 2021 after featuring for Cymru South champions Swansea University in 2020/21.

He was an integral part of their back line and cup run and was also shortlisted for a place in Cymru League team of season.

The commanding defender played for Llanelli FC in the Cymru League before signing for Swansea University, featuring in the majority of the Reds’ games during his spell at Steboneath, before a brief appearance at Bath City.