The New Saints Aiming for Historic European Qualification in Conference League

Historic Opportunity for Welsh Football: TNS on the Brink of European Glory

No team from domestic Welsh football has made it through UEFA qualifying rounds without a blemish, achieving a place in the league stage of a UEFA competition. This Thursday, the Cymru Premier champions, The New Saints (TNS), are poised to change that narrative.

Path to the UEFA Competitions

TNS began their European journey in July, securing a remarkable 4-1 aggregate victory over Montenegrin rivals FK Decic in the first round of Champions League qualifying. However, their campaign quickly turned to disappointment as they faced a formidable 7-1 aggregate loss against Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.

Despite this setback, TNS dropped into the Europa League third qualifying round but were eliminated by Moldovan champions Petrocub Hincesti after a narrow 1-0 aggregate defeat. However, fortune smiled upon them as they entered the UEFA Conference League, where they faced Lithuanian champions FK Panevezys, triumphing with a convincing 3-0 aggregate win.

Looking Ahead to the Big Match

This Thursday, TNS will confront a challenging match at Park Hall as they prepare for a critical encounter against a team managed by former Belgium international Stijn Vreven. Ahead of the game, Sky Sports caught up with key figures at TNS, all focused on achieving a significant milestone for both the club and Welsh football.

Craig Harrison's Vision

Craig Harrison, a former defender for Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace, reflected on his journey as he marks two years at the helm of TNS for the second time. Under his leadership, TNS has claimed eight league titles, four Welsh Cups, and four Welsh League Cups. "This would cap it all off," he states. "It's a massive opportunity for both TNS and Welsh football."

Recognizing the challenges ahead, Harrison emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline despite their recent success. "At this level, if you take your eye off the ball, you can get punished quickly," he warned. "Our opponents might be down, but they are still a dangerous team, boasting experienced Lithuanian internationals in their squad."

A Milestone for Welsh Football

Mike Harris, TNS chairman since 2003, has seen the club grow significantly, guiding them from local to national success. His aspiration is to secure a long-awaited sustained presence in European competitions. Harris believes that qualification would not only elevate TNS but also enhance the profile of Welsh football on the international stage. "It’s not just about our club; it's a major milestone for the league itself," he mentioned, understanding the potential financial benefits that could arise from this success.

Brad Young's Determination

Striker Brad Young, who transitioned from Aston Villa to TNS and scored an impressive 29 goals last season, feels motivated to contribute to the club's success on the European stage. After a dry spell in their last five matches, Young is eager to break through and help his side secure their place in the group stages of a major UEFA tournament. "A bright start will bring us a positive end," he stated, referencing the need for unity and resilience on the field.

The Bigger Picture for Welsh Football

Harris sheds light on the financial implications of TNS's success, noting that advancing to the group stages could secure vital UEFA co-efficient points, directly impacting the number of places Welsh clubs can access in Europe. This progress would ensure that more teams from Wales can represent the nation on a larger stage.

Final Thoughts

With all eyes on the upcoming match, the stakes have never been higher for TNS. A victory could not only solidify their place in history but also set a precedent for future Welsh teams in European competitions. The combination of ambition, strategy, and talent under Harrison’s leadership may prove to be the turning point for Welsh football, marking the beginning of a new era.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on TNS's chances in this critical match? Can they make history?