By David Williams
The New Saints chairman Mike Harris is confident fans will back the club’s decision to play their home European matches this season at Shrewsbury Town’s Croud Meadow Stadium.
The Saints are set to embark on their historic European football campaign with the League One club as their base.
Shrewsbury will be the venue for the Saints’ UEFA Conference League group stage matches after UEFA granted the Cymru Premier club special dispensation to hold their home fixtures at the borrowed venue.
The Saints are the first Cymru Premier club to make the group stages of a European tournament.
🏟️ Shrewsbury are pleased to announce a new partnership with The New Saints that will see UEFA Conference League football played at the Croud Meadow
⚽️ The Cymru Premier side will take on FC Astana, Djurgården & Panathinaikos in the league stage of the competition#Salop 🔷🔶
— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) September 23, 2024
The decision allows TNS to remain close to their Oswestry base, providing easier access for their supporters from mid and north Wales.
“We’d like to thank Shrewsbury Town for allowing us to host these historic matches at the Croud Meadow,” said Harris.
“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.”
TNS confirm they will play their home Conference League matches at Shrewsbury Town.
Chairman Mike Harris: “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."
🏴 pic.twitter.com/INsUDpLhzc
— Tom Coleman (@tomEcoleman) September 23, 2024
The Saints will face off against top teams such as Kazakhstan’s FC Astana, Sweden’s Djurgarden, and Greek giants Panathinaikos in their home matches on October 24, November 28, and December 12, respectively.
While TNS’s own Park Hall stadium meets UEFA regulations for qualifying games, it does not meet the required Category 4 standard to host matches in the main draw of European competitions.
As a result, the club explored several venue options, including the Cardiff City Stadium. Nearby Wrexham declined early in the process, and ultimately, Croud Meadow was selected as the most suitable option.
The club’s home games will showcase the Shrewsbury stadium to a wider European audience while providing additional revenue for the English side.
The coolest man at the Conference League draw—or maybe 'twas some party. 😎
First The New Saints become the first-ever domestic Welsh club to reach a European group or league stage, then owner Mike Harris steals the show as TNS learn their opponents. 🏴
Move over, Ryan & Rob 😉 pic.twitter.com/GTFyVa1AVt
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 30, 2024
Liam Dooley, chief executive of Shrewsbury Town, expressed his enthusiasm for the arrangement.
“We are delighted to welcome The New Saints to the Croud Meadow,” said Dooley.
“A lot of work has been completed behind the scenes on this by both clubs working together, and we are really happy to get this over the line. It gives us the chance to showcase our stadium around Europe, as well as supporting TNS on their journey.”
In addition to their home games, TNS’s European adventure also includes away trips to face Italian giants Fiorentina in Florence, Shamrock Rovers in Ireland, and Slovenian side Celje.
Their group stage opener against Fiorentina on October 3 marks the biggest game in the club’s history.
After defeat at the SDM Glass Stadium on Friday, there’s a chance to get back to winning ways for The New Saints tonight, as Bala Town make the trip to Park Hall.
Don’t forget, you can watch all of the action live at https://t.co/OaNIxVmzDF (excludes UK and Ireland).… pic.twitter.com/yMEWl00KfT
— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) September 24, 2024