STUART Fleetwood says he is in talks with two Evo-Stik South Premier clubs – but one of them isn't Hereford.

Fleetwood is now a free agent after being released by Merthyr Town.

The troubled Welsh club have had to cut around 80% of their playing staff, with Fleetwood one of the players told that he can find a new club.

"The clubs I've spoken to are in the same league, but it's not Hereford," said Fleetwood.

"I'm just waiting for international clearance because being on a non-contract, there's no release forms.

"It looks like I won't have a game tomorrow, but hopefully it will go through next week."

Fleetwood said the players only knew about the financial situation at the club yesterday.

"There were a couple of departures higher up in the chain during the week and rumours start, but we weren't aware of it until yesterday," said Fleetwood.

"We were meant to go to training but was told there wasn't any.

"It came out of the blue, but when you're at this level and playing non-contract players, it can happen.

"It's happened just before Christmas, so is a bit of bad timing and I feel sorry for the club because of what happened to them 10 years ago."

Merthyr are set to field a development side at Chesham United tomorrow, with Hereford due to go to Penydarren Park for a highly-anticipated match on Boxing Day.

"I did offer to pay for free this Saturday because I wanted to make sure they could play this Saturday and that I could help them out," added Fleetwood.

"But they didn't want us to be left hanging on and said it would be best to find something else."

Manager Gavin Williams is staying on and is in talks with the players left at the club.

"Gav is a Merthyr boy and will stay as long as he can," added Fleetwood.

"He will do everything he can to try and save them."

Merthyr have 26 points and with only one club set to do down due to restructuring at the level below next season, should do enough to survive.

Attendances have only averaged 412 this season and Fleetwood says that may have played a part in finances being stretched.

"I think they planned on us having a good cup run, but you can't really budget on something that may not happen," added Fleetwood.

"I feel frustrated for everyone because they're a good group of lads there."

In a club statement, Merthyr said that the cashflow at the club has been extremely tight due to lack of home games since October.

"All avenues of expenditure are being re-evaluated to protect club going forward," it reads.

"Last night members of the board and manager Gavin Williams met with the players.

"They informed the players there was no choice but to cut the playing budget significantly."This has understandably resulted in many of them deciding to leave.

"We would like to thank every one of them for their contributions to the success on field over the years and wish them well in the future.

"Gavin Williams is confident he will be able to field a competitive team going forward and he is in discussion with players willing to stay.

"Saturdays game at Chesham will consist of the club’s development players.

"This will give Gavin time to build a team and give current players time to stay.

"We ask owners and supporters to be patient whilst we continue to re-evaluate all aspects of the operation.

"We have 5 home games coming up soon, and ask you to drum up support and attend in numbers.

"If we all pull together we can overcome our difficulties."