Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: League One, UEFA, Europa Conference League, Wales
Matthew Holt
Welsh outfit The New Saints are preparing to make their UEFA Conference League debut this season.
TNS have become the first Cymru Premier side to qualify for the group phase of a European competition after successfully making it through qualifying.
They beat Lithuanian outfit FK Panevezys 3-0 after two legs to reach this stage and will now host some huge outfits.
Advert
Set to face teams including Fiorentina, Shamrock Rovers and Panathinaikos, Craig Harrison’s side will however not play their home games in Wales.
Due to UEFA rulings, their home ground Park Hall Stadium does not meet regulations for main draw matches.
For that very reason, TNS have been forced to play their home ties elsewhere, with a League One outfit offering their support on the matter.
Shrewsbury Town's Croud Meadow will now host the fixtures after an agreement was made with both clubs.
Advert
The ground share comes after TNS were granted dispensation from UEFA to hold the matches outside of Wales on a special-merit basis.
3,000 spectators can usually cram into their home ground in Oswestry but the Saints could experience a boost in attendance at the 9,875-capacity home of the Shrews.
TNS are set to face two-time Europa Conference League finalists Fiorentina in their opening game of the competition next month away from home.
The New Saints are set to play in a European competition for the first time this season
Advert
"We’d like to thank Shrewsbury Town for allowing us to host these historic matches at the Croud Meadow," club chairman Mike Harris said.
"We are hopeful the community will come out in full force to support The New Saints as we face some of the continent's biggest clubs.
“Being so close to our Park Hall home will mean that supporters from Oswestry, Mid Wales, and North Wales can travel to cheer on the team.”
Manager Harrison has also already admitted the size of the feat seen by his players cannot be understated.
Advert
“We’ve done loads of really good things at TNS but this is by far the best and biggest achievement for me personally, for the club and for Welsh football," he told Sgorio, via the Football Association of Wales.
"It’s a fantastic feeling.
“The biggest credit I can give to the boys is that we’ve got a really together group. The lads who aren’t playing are supporting the other lads, and this is what happens when you believe and work hard. You get what you deserve.”