News round up

Jack Tolley

Merthyr Town have strengthened ahead of their National League North campaign by signing defender Ben Margetson following his departure from Barry Town United. The former Cardiff City youngster arrives at Penydarren Park after an impressive season in the Cymru Premier, where he was named Barry's Players' Player of the Year.

Margetson started all 32 league matches as Barry recorded the division's second-best defensive record, while also contributing seven goals and five assists. Manager Paul Michael described the centre-back as "the best" available in the region outside the professional game.

Rochdale have appointed former South Shields boss Ian Watson as their new manager on a three-year contract. The 40-year-old leaves South Shields after guiding the Mariners to a club-record second-place finish in National League North, narrowly missing out on promotion after defeat to Kidderminster Harriers in the play-off final.

Watson succeeds Jimmy McNulty, who departed for Stockport County after leading Rochdale back into the EFL. The former Gateshead and MK Dons coach said he was "excited" to join a club whose values align with his own.

Former Hereford winger Jack Tolley has joined Southern League Premier Central side Stourbridge. The 22-year-old becomes the Glassboys' third summer signing after leaving Sporting Club Inkberrow, where he helped the club win promotion from the Hellenic League and establish themselves at Step 4 last season.

Tolley previously spent a short spell with the Bulls in 2023 before moving on to Gloucester City and Rushall Olympic.

Former Chester winger Dylan Mottley-Henry will remain in National League North after joining newly-promoted Hednesford Town. The 28-year-old arrives at Keys Park following an impressive campaign with Chester, where he won the club’s Player of the Season, Golden Boot and Away Travel Player of the Season awards.

Mottley-Henry scored 15 goals and provided nine assists during his time with the Blues, with Hednesford boss Kelvin Davis highlighting his pace, power and attacking versatility.