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TNS FC
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CLUB GUIDE
 

 
TNS  Manager:   Andy Cale
 Assistant:      Mike Davies
  Secretary:   
Park Hall Stadium
Park Hall
Oswestry
Shropshire
Follow the A5 bypass around Oswestry to the roundabout signposted for A495 Whittington and Ellesmere.
Take the exit for Whittington & Ellesmere but within 250 yards turn left (after BT building) into Burma Road, signposted for Oswestry Rugby Club.  The Park Hall ground and Venue is clearly visible 400 yards along this road to the right.  Ample car park.
Capacity:   Nickname:  The Saints
Colours:  Green  INTERNET   The New Saints
   email contact:  TonyWilliams243@msn.com

 
  TNS The New Saints
 History & Honours
  The village of Llansantffraid has had a football team for longer then club records stretch, but it was not until 1959 that the club was set up as it is now.  The run up to the 1997/98 season was unique as the club landed a pioneering sponsorship deal with local communications company that saw the name changed to Total Network Solutions.
  The club, nicknamed The Saints, first joined the Montgomeryshire Amateur League in 1959 and enjoyed considerable success, scooping al hotiours available.  But hard times were on the horizon and the 1989/90 season saw the club close to closure.  A brave decision was taken by ambitious committee members which was to see Llansantffraid FC set off on a remarkable climb through the Welsh pyramid system and into Europe, The club joined the Mid Wales League that first season and success came immediately with promotion to the Cymru Alliance League.
  That first season in the league saw Llansantffraid finish as runners-up, but there was disappointment when the club was overlooked for membership of the newly formed League of Wales because of ground facilities.  Determined not to be left behind, a major ground improvement scheme was started and floodlights installed without a penny of help from tile Welsh FA.  The club raced to tile Cymru Alliance Championship.  Promotion meant that Llansantffriad was the first club to win its way from the bottom to the top of the Welsh pyramid system.
  The Welsh Intermediate Cup was also won that season, beating Brecon Corries in the Final to round off a very successful year.
  Relegation was only narrowly avoided in the first season of tile League of Wales, but 12 months later in the 94/95 season Llansantffraid became the first Mid Wales club to secure League of Wales honours, by beating Ton Pentre at Newtown to win the League Cup.  Even greater honours followed in 95/96 as The Saints beat Barry Town in a penalty shoot-out to lift the Welsh Cup in the last football game to be played at the National Stadium in Cardiff - one of the most exciting Welsh Cup finals ever seen.
  History was made again as the club qualified as the smallest club ever to play in the European Cup Winners Cup with a memorable I - I draw against Polish giants KS Ruch Chorzow at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.  In the return leg the Poles ran out 5-0 winners.
  The 1999/2000 season proved the greatest in the clubs history with the championship of the League of Wales secured on the very last day of the season as Barry's four-year stranglehold on the championship was ended.
  The success meant the club had completed a clean sweep of Welsh honours having previously won the League Cup, the Welsh Cup and the League of Wales FC Levadia from Estonia were their opponents in last season Champions League.  They held them to a 2-2 draw in the home leg but were beaten 4-0 in the away leg in Tallinn.  The club finished in a disappointed 8th position last season, but still reached the Final of the Welsh Cup.  Despite losing to Barry Town in the final, they still qualified for the UEFA Cup.  They lost the first leg at Polonia Warsaw 4-0, conceding three goals in the last ten minutes.
   In 2007 TNS were crowned champions of the Welsh Premier for the third year in a row but lost their crown in 2007-08 in their first season on the artificial surface at Park Hall on the outskirst of Oswestry.

 
TNS Playing Record 1991-2008
 
Season
Competition
Pos
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
2
1991-92
Cymru Alliance
2nd
30
15
8
7
58
34
53
3
1992-93
Cymru Alliance
1st
28
23
3
2
89
34
72
4
1993-94
League of Wales
18th
38
9
7
22
46
77
34
5
1994-95
League of Wales
9th
38
15
10
13
57
57
55
6
1995-96
League of Wales
12th
40
14
10
16
66
57
52
7
1996-97
League of Wales
6th
40
20
5
15
82
62
65
8
1997-98
League of Wales
14th
38
9
15
14
54
67
42
9
1998-99
League of Wales
8th
32
12
11
9
55
42
47
10
1999-00
League of Wales
1st
34
24
4
6
69
37
76
11
2000-01
League of Wales
8th
34
15
9
10
64
47
54
12
2001-02
League of Wales
2nd
34
21
7
6
83
38
70
13
2002-03
Welsh Premier League
2nd
34
24
8
2
68
21
80
14
2003-04
Welsh Premier League
2nd
32
24
4
4
77
28
76
15
2004-05
Welsh Premier League
1st
34
23
9
2
83
25
78
16
2005-06
Welsh Premier League
1st
34
27
5
2
87
17
86
17
2006-07
Welsh Premier League
1st
32
24
4
4
81
20
76
18
2007-08
Welsh Premier League
2nd
34
25
3
6
85
30
78

 
Manager:  Andy Cale
 
  A highly respected figure for his work with the England Youth football teams, Andy Cale returned to TNS following the departure of Ken McKenna during the 2007-8 season.  He will work along side Mike Davies.

 
     UPDATED AUGUST 2008


TNS FC
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2008-09
Paul Harrison
   
   
 
A goalkeeper previously with Southport who joined TNS during the summer of 2007, Paul was with both Liverpool and Leeds United as a youngster before making a handful of first team appearances for Chester City.
(Dob:  18-12-1984)
Duane Courtney
Duane began his career with Derby County and then Birmingham City before catching the eye with Telford United.  Burnley were tempted to pay £25000 for his services but rarely offered him first team starts and allowed him to join TNS in the autumn of 2006.
(Dob:  07-01-1985)
Phil Baker

   

Former Tranmere Rovers youngster who joined TNS during the summer of 2005 from Bangor City.  Made eight Football League appearances for Exeter in 2002-03.  Previous clubs include Aberystwyth Town and Droylsden.  Highly rated defender who should form a formidable partnership with Steve Evans.
(Dob:  04-11-1982)
Tommy Holmes
       
       
Birkenhead born defender who moved to TNS from Tranmere Rovers whom he had joined as an eleven year old, powerful attacking defender.
(Dob:  01-09-1979)
Michael Taylor
Well travelled centreback whose previous clubs include Blackburn, Carlisle, Rochdale, Cheltenham, Forest Green, Lancaster, Halifax and Hyde United from whom he joined TNS during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  21-11-1982)
Rob Williams
Tall commanding centre half from Blackpool who moved into the area to join the TNS academy.  Linked up with Newtown in November 2006, impressed at the heart of The Robins defence and was recalled by Saints boss Ken McKenna in January 2007.
(Dob:  06-07-1987)
Paul Henry
Paul is a professional at Tranmere Rovers currently on loan with TNS.  A promising young defender he as a handul of first team appearances for Rovers whom he is set to rejoin in June 2008.
(Dob:  21-01-1988)
John McKenna
Liverpool born but raised in Oswestry, John is a product of the Walford and North Shropshire College based academy.  A hugely promising centrehalf he can also play in midfield.  Represented England colleges during the 2007-08 season.
 
(Dob:  15-05-1990) 
John Leah
     
       
Skliful little midfielder rejoined TNS from Newtown in November 2001.  Had English Football League experience with Darlington where he was captain of the reserves.
(Dob:  03-08-1978)
Scott Ruscoe

 

Stoke born midfielder who played for Newtown before joining Chester City.  Moved to Treflan from The Deva in January 2002, Scott's previous clubs include Stoke City and Port Vale.  A Welsh Semi Pro cap.
(Dob:  15-12-1977)
Steve Beck
Promising young midfielder who joined TNS during the 2003-04 season.  Liverpool born Steve began his career with Everton and represented England at Under 16 level.
(Dob:  04-06-1984)
Barry Hogan
     
Former Runcorn midfielder signed during the 2003-04 season.  Born in St Helens, Barry was with Manchester City as a youngster and has also played for Southport.
(Dob:  15-02-1983)
Ryan Marriott
   
A Londer who graduated through the Walford & North Shropshire College base academy, Ryan is a ball playing midfielder who was on the books of both Chelsea and Arsenal as a youngster.
(Dob:  19-11-1988) 
John Toner
     
     
 
Highly rated striker signed from Conwy United for a club record transfer fee, previous clubs include Altricham and Cemaes Bay.  Top scorer for the Saints last season who passed the 100 WP goal milestone in October 2004.
(Dob:  09-09-1976) 
Alfie Carter
Well travelled left footer whose pace and flair unsettles defences.  Alfie has played for Walsall, Stafford Rangers, Bromsgrove Rovers, Newport County, Bath City, Halesowen and Telford United from whom he joined TNS in Aufust 2005.
(Dob:  13-08-1980)
Alex Darlington
A former Wales Under 19 striker, Alex has the reputation of being a light but quick forward.  He joined TNS upon his release by Wrexham Fc during the summer of 2009.  He suffered the considerable setback of twice breaking a leg during his time at The Racecourse and will clearly be hoping for a change of luck with the former champions.
(Dob:  26-12-1988)
Michael Wilde
   
     
 
Birkenhead born striker signed from Poulton Vics
in July 2002, Michael has established himself as one of the top strikers in the Welsh Premier with 62 goals from 100 starts for the club.

(Dob:  27-03-1983)
Craig Whitfield
A product of the academy based at Walford & North Shropshire College, Oswestry born Craig is a pacey left footed striker who was on the books of both Shrewsbury Town and Wrexham as a schoolboy.
(Dob:  16-08-1979)

Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2008-09


TNS FC
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2007-08
Paul Harrison
   
   
 
A goalkeeper previously with Southport who joined TNS during the summer of 2007, Paul was with both Liverpool and Leeds United as a youngster before making a handful of first team appearances for Chester City.
(Dob:  18-12-1984)
Duane Courtney
Duane began his career with Derby County and then Birmingham City before catching the eye with Telford United.  Burnley were tempted to pay £25000 for his services but rarely offered him first team starts and allowed him to join TNS in the autumn of 2006.
(Dob:  07-01-1985)
Chris King

 

Talented left footer who can play in defence or attack. Birkenhead born, Chris is the son of former Tranmere Rovers and Bangor City legend Alan King.  His previous clubs include Southport.
(Dob:  14-11-1980)
Phil Baker

   

Former Tranmere Rovers youngster who joined TNS during the summer of 2005 from Bangor City.  Made eight Football League appearances for Exeter in 2002-03.  Previous clubs include Aberystwyth Town and Droylsden.  Highly rated defender who should form a formidable partnership with Steve Evans.
(Dob:  04-11-1982)
Tommy Holmes
       
       
Birkenhead born defender who moved to TNS from Tranmere Rovers whom he had joined as an eleven year old, powerful attacking defender.
(Dob:  01-09-1979)
Michael Taylor
Well travelled centreback whose previous clubs include Blackburn, Carlisle, Rochdale, Cheltenham, Forest Green, Lancaster, Halifax and Hyde United from whom he joined TNS during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  21-11-1982)
Rob Williams
Tall commanding centre half from Blackpool who moved into the area to join the TNS academy.  Linked up with Newtown in November 2006, impressed at the heart of The Robins defence and was recalled by Saints boss Ken McKenna in January 2007.
(Dob:  06-07-1987)
Paul Henry
Paul is a professional at Tranmere Rovers currently on loan with TNS.  A promising young defender he as a handul of first team appearances for Rovers whom he is set to rejoin in June 2008.
(Dob:  21-01-1988)
Martin Naylor

 

Pacey right or wingback signed from Telford United in July 2002.  Walsall born, his previous clubs include Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United.
(Dob:  02-08-1977)
Mark Davies
Left footed defender who became the first member of the academy side to sign professional forms during the summer of 2006.  Shrewsbury born Mark lives in nearby Guilsfield and was with Rochdale before joining the scholarship programme. (On loan at Caersws until June 2008)
(Dob:  12-02-1988)
John Leah
     
       
Skliful little midfielder rejoined TNS from Newtown in November 2001.  Had English Football League experience with Darlington where he was captain of the reserves.
(Dob:  03-08-1978)
Scott Ruscoe

 

Stoke born midfielder who played for Newtown before joining Chester City.  Moved to Treflan from The Deva in January 2002, Scott's previous clubs include Stoke City and Port Vale.  A Welsh Semi Pro cap.
(Dob:  15-12-1977)
Luke Holden
A pacey left winger who career took in spells with Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers as a youth, Luke signed for TNS during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  24-11-1988)
Steve Beck
Promising young midfielder who joined TNS during the 2003-04 season.  Liverpool born Steve began his career with Everton and represented England at Under 16 level.
(Dob:  04-06-1984)
Barry Hogan
     
Former Runcorn midfielder signed during the 2003-04 season.  Born in St Helens, Barry was with Manchester City as a youngster and has also played for Southport.
(Dob:  15-02-1983)
Nicky Ward
       
 
Former Shrewsbury and Wrexham left footed striker who joined The Saints in the Autumn of 1999 from local rivals Newtown.  A pacey striker equally dangerous on the wing or in a more central role.
(Dob:  30-11-1977)
John Toner
     
     
 
Highly rated striker signed from Conwy United for a club record transfer fee, previous clubs include Altricham and Cemaes Bay.  Top scorer for the Saints last season who passed the 100 WP goal milestone in October 2004.
(Dob:  09-09-1976) 
Alfie Carter
Well travelled left footer whose pace and flair unsettles defences.  Alfie has played for Walsall, Stafford Rangers, Bromsgrove Rovers, Newport County, Bath City, Halesowen and Telford United from whom he joined TNS in Aufust 2005.
(Dob:  13-08-1980)
Carl Lamb
A pacey striker, Carl Lamb first came into Welsh Premier football when he joined Bangor City from Cammell Laird in March 2005.  After two seasons at Farrar Road Carl linked up with Cefn Druids but was allowed to join TNS in January 2007.
(Dob:  10-11-1984)
Michael Wilde
     
 
Birkenhead born striker signed from Poulton Vics in July 2002, Michael has established himself as one of the top strikers in the Welsh Premier with 62 goals from 100 starts for the club.
(Dob:  27-03-1983)
Ronnie Morgan
Ronnie established a formidable reputation as a goalscorer with West Cheshire League side Cammell Laird where he scored 180 goals in four seasons.  He moved to TNS during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  08-03-1980)

Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2007-08


TNS FC
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2006-07
Gerard Doherty
   
   
 
Goalkeeper has made the first team shirt his own after being understudy to Dean Williams. Gerard's previous clubs include Derby County and his "home town" Derry City.  He has represented the Republic of Ireland at Youth Level.
(Dob:  24-08-1981)
Chris King

 

Talented left footer who can play in defence or attack. Birkenhead born, Chris is the son of former Tranmere Rovers and Bangor City legend Alan King.  His previous clubs include Southport.
(Dob:  14-11-1980)
Phil Baker

   

Former Tranmere Rovers youngster who joined TNS during the summer of 2005 from Bangor City.  Made eight Football League appearances for Exeter in 2002-03.  Previous clubs include Aberystwyth Town and Droylsden.  Highly rated defender who should form a formidable partnership with Steve Evans.
(Dob:  04-11-1982)
Tommy Holmes
       
       
Birkenhead born defender who moved to TNS from Tranmere Rovers whom he had joined as an eleven year old, powerful attacking defender.
(Dob:  01-09-1979)
Michael Jackson
Liverpool born former Southport centreback who joined TNS from local rivals Welshpool Town in March 2005.
(Dob:  14-12-1979)
Rob Williams
Tall commanding centre half from Blackpool who moved into the area to join the TNS academy.  Linked up with Newtown in November 2006, impressed at the heart of The Robins defence and was recalled by Saints boss Ken McKenna in January 2007.
(Dob:  06-07-1987)
Martin Naylor

 

Pacey right or wingback signed from Telford United in July 2002.  Walsall born, his previous clubs include Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United.
(Dob:  02-08-1977)
Mark Davies
Left footed defender who became the first member of the academy side to sign professional forms during the summer of 2006.  Shrewsbury born Mark lives in nearby Guilsfield and was with Rochdale before joining the scholarship programme.
(Dob:  12-02-1988)
John Leah
     
       
Skliful little midfielder rejoined TNS from Newtown in November 2001.  Had English Football League experience with Darlington where he was captain of the reserves.
(Dob:  03-08-1978)
Scott Ruscoe

 

Stoke born midfielder who played for Newtown before joining Chester City.  Moved to Treflan from The Deva in January 2002, Scott's previous clubs include Stoke City and Port Vale.  A Welsh Semi Pro cap.
(Dob:  15-12-1977)
Greg Stones
Tall central midfielder who joined the club from Rhyl during the summer of 2006.  Birkenhead born Greg's previous clubs include Poulton Vics of the West Cheshire League.
(Dob:  05-04-1982)
Steve Beck
Promising young midfielder who joined TNS during the 2003-04 season.  Liverpool born Steve began his career with Everton and represented England at Under 16 level.
(Dob:  04-06-1984)
Barry Hogan
     
Former Runcorn midfielder signed during the 2003-04 season.  Born in St Helens, Barry was with Manchester City as a youngster and has also played for Southport.
(Dob:  15-02-1983)
Nicky Ward
       
 
Former Shrewsbury and Wrexham left footed striker who joined The Saints in the Autumn of 1999 from local rivals Newtown.  A pacey striker equally dangerous on the wing or in a more central role.
(Dob:  30-11-1977)
John Toner
     
     
 
Highly rated striker signed from Conwy United for a club record transfer fee, previous clubs include Altricham and Cemaes Bay.  Top scorer for the Saints last season who passed the 100 WP goal milestone in October 2004.
(Dob:  09-09-1976) 
Michael Wilde
 
Birkenhead born striker signed from Poulton Vics in July 2002, Michael has established himself as one of the top strikers in the Welsh Premier with 62 goals from 100 starts for the club.
(Dob:  27-03-1983)

Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2006-07


TNS FC
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2005-06
Gerard Doherty
 
Goalkeeper has made the first team shirt his own after being understudy to Dean Williams.
(Dob:  24-08-1981)
Chris King

 

Talented left footer who can play in defence or attack, son of former Tranmere Rovers and Bangor City legend Alan King.
(Dob:  14-11-1980)
Phil Baker

   

Former Tranmere Rovers youngster who joined TNS during the summer of 2005 from Bangor City.  Made eight Football League appearances for Exeter in 2002-03.  Previous clubs include Aberystwyth Town and Droylsden.  Highly rated defender who should form a formidable partnership with Steve Evans.
(Dob:  04-11-1982)
Tommy Holmes
       
       
Moved to TNS from Tranmere Rovers whom he had joined as an eleven year old, powerful attacking defender.
(Dob:  01-09-1979)
Michael Jackson
Former Southport centreback who joined TNS from local rivals Welshpool Town.
(Dob:  14-12-1979)
Martin Naylor

 

Pacey right or wingback signed from Telford United in July 2002.  Walsall born, his previous clubs include Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United.
(Dob:  02-08-1977)
Steve Evans

 

Tall, commanding centre half rated amongst the best in the Welsh Premiership, brother of Welshpool midfielder Ricky Evans. A regular both in the "Team of The Season" selections made by WP managers and in the Welsh Four Nations side.
(Dob:  26-02-1979)
John Leah
     
       
Skliful little midfielder rejoined TNS from Newtown in November 2001.  Had English Football League experience with Darlington where he was captain of the reserves.
(Dob:  03-08-1978)
Scott Ruscoe

 

Gifted midfielder who played for Newtown before joining Chester City.  Moved to Treflan from The Deva to good effect.
(Dob:  15-12-1977)
John Lawless
Wingback who joined Aberystwyth from Unibond side Burscough in July 2003 soon after he won an FA Trophy Winners medal with The Linnets.  Moved to Treflan in August 2004.
(Dob:  17-06-1982)
Steve Beck
Promising young midfielder, a former Everton apprentice, who joined TNS during the 2003-04 season.
(Dob:  04-06-1984)
Barry Hogan
     
Former Runcorn midfielder signed during the 2003-04 season.
(Dob:  15-02-1983)
Marc Lloyd Williams
       
       
The leading goalscorer in the history of the WP, signed from Aberystwyth in August 2004. Previous WP clubs include Porthmadog and Bangor City, English league clubs Stockport County and York City.
(Dob:  08-02-1973)
Nicky Ward
       
 
Former Shrewsbury and Wrexham left footed striker who joined The Saints in the Autumn of 1999 from local rivals Newtown.  A pacey striker equally dangerous on the wing or in a more central role.
(Dob:  30-11-1977)
John Toner
     
     
 
Highly rated striker signed from Conwy United for a club record transfer fee, previous clubs include Altricham and Cemaes Bay.  Top scorer for the Saints last season who passed the 100 WP goal milestone in October 2004.
(Dob:  09-09-1976) 
Michael Wilde
 
Promising young striker signed from Liverpool area football, top scorer with 18 WP goals in 2003-04.
(Dob:  27-03-1983)

Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2005-06

 
TNS FC
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2004-05
Gerard Doherty
 
Goalkeeper has made the first team shirt his own after being understudy to Dean Williams.
(Dob:  24-08-1981)
Chris King

 

Talented left footer who can play in defence or attack, son of former Tranmere Rovers and Bangor City legend Alan King.
(Dob:  14-11-1980)
Chris Taylor

 

Strong central defender who who rejoined the club during the summer from local rivals Newtown.  Has LoW experience with Bangor City and Rhyl.
(Dob:  26-11-1974)
Tommy Holmes
       
       
Moved to TNS from Tranmere Rovers whom he had joined as an eleven year old, powerful attacking defender.
(Dob:  01-09-1979)
Martin Naylor

 

Pacey right or wingback signed from Telford United in July 2002.  Walsall born, his previous clubs include Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United.
(Dob:  02-08-1977)
Steve Evans

 

Tall, commanding centre half rated amongst the best in the Welsh Premiership, brother of Welshpool midfielder Ricky Evans.
(Dob:  26-02-1979)
John Leah
     
       
Skliful little midfielder rejoined TNS from Newtown in November 2001.  Had English Football League experience with Darlington where he was captain of the reserves.
(Dob:  03-08-1978)
Scott Ruscoe

 

Gifted midfielder who played for Newtown before joining Chester City.  Moved to Treflan from The Deva to good effect.
(Dob:  15-12-1977)
John Lawless
Wingback who joined Aberystwyth from Unibond side Burscough in July 2003 soon after he won an FA Trophy Winners medal with The Linnets. Moved to Treflan in August 2004.
(Dob:  17-06-1982)
Steve Beck
Promising young midfielder, a former Everton apprentice, who joined TNS during the 2003-04 season.
(Dob:  04-06-1984)
Barry Hogan
     
Former Runcorn midfielder signed during the 2003-04 season.
(Dob:  15-02-1983)
Marc Lloyd Williams
       
       
The leading goalscorer in the history of the WP, signed from Aberystwyth in August 2004. Previous WP clubs include Porthmadog and Bangor City, English league clubs Stockport County and York City.
(Dob:  08-02-1973)
Nicky Ward
       
 
Former Shrewsbury and Wrexham left footed striker who joined The Saints in the Autumn of 1999 from local rivals Newtown.  A pacey striker equally dangerous on the wing or in a more central role.
(Dob:  30-11-1977)
John Toner
     
     
 
Highly rated striker signed from Conwy United for a club record transfer fee, previous clubs include Altricham and Cemaes Bay.  Top scorer for the Saints last season who passed the 100 WP goal milestone in October 2004.
(Dob:  09-09-1976) 
Michael Wilde
 
Promising young striker signed from Liverpool area football, top scorer with 18 WP goals in 2003-04.
(Dob:  27-03-1983)