Quick Read
- Ricardo Rees signed for Forest Green Rovers from Merthyr Town on a permanent transfer.
- Rees scored 25 goals in 23 National League North appearances this season, with 38 goals in 2023/24 and 33 in 2024/25.
- Manager Robbie Savage expressed delight at securing Rees, who will wear number 45 and is available for immediate selection.
In a move set to shake up Forest Green Rovers’ attacking options, the club has officially confirmed the signing of Ricardo Rees from Merthyr Town. The Welsh striker’s arrival comes on the heels of an extraordinary goal-scoring spree in the National League North—one that has caught the attention of fans and rival clubs alike.
Let’s cut to the chase: Rees is not just another promising young forward. His stats tell a story of relentless consistency and hunger for goals. During the ongoing season, Rees found the net 25 times in just 23 league matches for Merthyr Town, propelling the club into third place and making headlines across Welsh football. The numbers hardly feel real: 38 goals in the 2023/24 campaign, then another 33 in 2024/25. Those figures aren’t just impressive—they’re transformative for any team lucky enough to have him on the roster.
Forest Green’s new manager, Robbie Savage, is “absolutely delighted” to welcome Rees, as reported by both BBC Sport and the club’s official statement. That sentiment makes sense, considering Rovers had to outmaneuver several English Football League sides who were also vying for Rees’ signature. It’s a coup that signals ambition and intent from the Gloucestershire club, who clearly believe Rees can be a difference-maker as they push for promotion.
Rees’ journey to the Rovers has been anything but linear. The striker, who will wear the number 45 shirt, knows the South West of England well. He previously spent time with Yate Town and Bath City, gaining valuable experience before his goal-filled seasons at Merthyr. His footballing roots trace back to the Bristol City Under-23 academy—a respected launching pad for young talent in the region.
So, what does this signing mean for Forest Green? For one, it injects an immediate sense of optimism into the squad and its supporters. Rees is expected to be available for selection ahead of the Rovers’ National League fixture against FC Halifax Town on Saturday, January 3rd, at The New Lawn. That debut could set the tone for the rest of the season, especially with the Rovers hoping his scoring streak continues in green and black.
But it’s not just about goals. Rees’ style of play—sharp movement, keen anticipation, and a knack for finding space—fits the attacking philosophy Savage is building. The manager’s Welsh connection with Rees may also foster a sense of trust and understanding, helping the new signing settle quickly into his role.
For Merthyr Town, Rees’ departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter. His goals lifted the club up the table and brought excitement to fans, but football’s cycle continues. Forest Green’s acquisition might feel bittersweet for the Martyrs, but it speaks to the impact a single player can have on a team’s fortunes—and how talent inevitably attracts opportunity.
As the transfer window closes and attention turns to the pitch, all eyes will be on Rees’ debut. Will his prolific scoring translate to a higher league? Can he handle the pressure and expectations that come with such a glowing reputation? The answers will unfold in the weeks to come, with every touch, run, and shot scrutinized by supporters hungry for success.
Forest Green Rovers’ capture of Ricardo Rees is a statement of intent, blending local ambition with proven talent. If Rees’ goal-scoring exploits continue, he could become the missing piece in Rovers’ promotion puzzle—proof that strategic signings can shape the destiny of a football club.
Sources: Forest Green Rovers Official Site, BBC Sport.