Jennie Swaps Sports To Play Leading Role With Martyrs
A former rugby club stewardess is swapping sports to play a significant role in Merthyr Town Football Club’s exciting plans for the future after being appointed to a key new post.
As the Martyrs’ first-ever Hospitality and Catering Manager, Jennie Jordan will have responsibility for ensuring that their off-the-field success story matches their growing sporting achievements.
The former Ebbw Vale Rugby Club stewardess and local pub owner took up her position as the club opened its new banqueting suite and sports bar with a busy bookings schedule.
Over £2m was awarded to the Penydarren Park redevelopment project from the Welsh Government’s Viable and Vibrant Places (VVP) Programme, managed in Merthyr Tydfil by the County Borough Council.
As well as an extension to the clubhouse to build the function hall/banqueting suite to accommodate 100-120 people, there is a new sports bar, commercial kitchen, four hospitality boxes, fully refurbished dressing rooms, an IT suite, offices, free Wi-Fi throughout the stadium, increased parking and an improved entrance with new turnstiles.
“The old facilities restricted catering opportunities, but now we’re able to offer a venue for conferences and meetings, wedding receptions and parties,” said Jen. “On match days, we’ll be able to provide so much more space for hospitality for sponsors and other VIPs.”
Jen, aged 53 and from Pant, once owned the Pant Cad Ifor Inn and has also worked at a number of local pubs, in the kitchen and behind the bar. She has a diploma in hotel catering, bakery and cellar management and a Food Safety in Catering Award.
“The only difference to me between running catering at the rugby club and the football club is shape of the ball,” she said. “Teams play to win – they love the faith of their supporters and in return, try to win not just for themselves but for the supporters as well.
“I always look forward to new challenges in any job, but I fell in love with this one when I came for the interview and it was still a building site. You could feel the atmosphere being built along with the building. I’m glad I’m part of that and look forward to making new memories with the club, the customers and – of course – the loyal supporters.”
- Another new member of staff is Matthew Davies, who has been appointed Admin Assistant and will be working on media projects and community events.to boost the profile of the club.
A Radio and Media graduate from the University Of Glamorgan, Matthew’s last role was as Learning Support Assistant (Head of Multimedia) at Ysgol Y Deri in Penarth, supporting students with special needs and behavioural issues to produce content for the school’s radio station, video productions and media work.
Matthew produced the video the club used to launch its membership last season. As Merthyr Town is run by its supporters, it featured fans of all ages holding a sign stating: ‘I own my own club’. The video received excellent reviews and pushed membership to its highest level since the club reformed.
Merthyr Town Chief Executive Rob Price said: “We welcome both Jen and Matthew to the team and look forward to them playing a full part in the club’s development.
“Both bring excellent knowledge and experience, which will help move the club forward and continue to improve on its already professional approach. As supporters and volunteers, both realise the opportunity that they and the club have to make a significant difference both on the pitch and in the community, and are eager to get started.”
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