Let’s get to know TNS

I'm far from being an authority on Welsh football, so I can't honestly say much about the New Saints, who are Fiorentina's first opponent in the Conference League this season. While it's true they've consistently finished either 1st or 2nd in the Cymru Premier League for the last 15 years and have collected numerous trophies, that's about all I know. Fortunately, I was able to connect with Y Clwb Pêl-Droed, a Welsh website, to kick off a discussion about the team.

Viola Nation: I won’t make you give a complete rundown of The New Saints' history since it's a well-established club with an impressive collection of trophies. However, I would love to hear a few interesting stories from TNS's past. Who would you consider the best player ever, or what’s their most notable accomplishment? Also, what’s the most amusing incident that’s occurred in recent years?

Y Clwb Pêl-Droed: I would argue that Greg Draper is likely their standout player, being the club’s all-time leading scorer. He stepped away from the first team a few years back, but last season, he took on the role of manager for their Women’s team. This year, he’s involved with both the academy and the first team.

In my opinion, securing a spot in Europe this season is their greatest accomplishment. Welsh clubs have been chasing this goal since the Champions League began, and facing a team that has finished as runners-up in the tournament for two consecutive years represents the most significant match in their history.

When it comes to the silliest moments, I believe it happened in either the 2000s or 2010s when Jeff Stelling reacted to a TNS score that came through. He commented, “Tonight, there will be celebrations on the streets of Total Network Solutions.” This was due to the fact that the club had changed its name after a local tech firm paid £250,000 for the right to do so. It marked the first instance in the UK where a club took on the name of its sponsor alone.

VN: For a team that has consistently finished as champions or runners-up for 15 consecutive seasons, their current situation seems uncertain. TNS is sitting in 5th place, though they have multiple matches left to play. Does their current standing in the league accurately reflect the team’s performance, or is their impressive goal difference a better measure of how they're really doing?

YCPD: I think the issue is that they have a few games to play compared to other clubs due to their participation in European competitions. Recently, there have been some unexpected outcomes. For instance, Penybont managed to defeat them for the first time ever, and Bala Town finally secured a victory at TNS’ home ground, breaking longstanding records. However, they bounced back impressively with a big win against Newtown, although they do have some weaknesses. I believe it’s the second one. As the only full-time team in the league, they have the ability to score heavily against most opponents when they're at their best.

VN: A team with fullbacks sporting the numbers 7 and 10 gives the impression of being highly offensive. Is that typically the playing style of the New Saints? Will they adapt their approach for this match, or will they maintain their usual strategy?

YCPD: Their approach to the game will be noticeably different when they face Fiorentina. Traditionally, they dominate matches against teams in Wales, often turning things around after conceding an early goal. TNS is known for bouncing back and can score multiple goals in the later parts of a match. However, against Fiorentina, they won't be able to play with an attacking mindset and are expected to adopt a more defensive strategy. They might catch Fiorentina off guard during counter-attacks, but the primary focus will be on maintaining a strong defense. The dimensions of the pitch and the type of surface—many of which are artificial in the Cymru Premier—will also influence their performance in this matchup.

VN: What are some specific strengths of the team? Are there any notable weaknesses? Which players should Fiorentina pay special attention to?

YCPD: We would have mentioned Brad Young, but he transferred to a Saudi Pro League team at the end of August for a league-record fee of about £200,000. He doesn't start every match and is likely to be a substitute. However, Sion Bradley was named Player of the Year in the league last season, and I consider him one of the most talented players on the squad. Ryan Brobbel is somewhat unpredictable on the field, but he's just returning from an injury. Adam Wilson, who is on loan from Bradford City, is another player who could be a threat due to his speed.

VN: TNS has performed in San Marino but hasn't played in Italy yet. How do the fans feel about this upcoming journey? We've noticed some unruly supporters visiting Florence in recent years; do you anticipate any incidents before the match?

YCPD: Definitely not. TNS has a children's play zone that includes a ball pit, highlighting its appeal as a family-oriented club. While the game is significant, I don't envision thousands attending. Many who do make the journey may not view TNS as their primary club; instead, they are likely going for the experience or have some connection to the club, such as being a family member or a friend.

Let's conclude by making some predictions. What do you think the final score will be? Who might score the goals, if anyone, and how do you expect the game to unfold?

YCPD: Sadly, I can only predict a significant defeat here. TNS has faced heavy losses against teams like Ludogorets before, and Fiorentina is even stronger. If TNS can manage to limit the score to around three or four goals, that would be a great achievement. Fiorentina will take control from the very start, and TNS needs to be at their best defensively if they hope to earn any points.

We appreciate the wonderful team at Y Clwb Pêl-Droed for providing us with insights about TNS. You can check out their extensive coverage on their website or connect with them on Twitter. Additionally, the other part of our discussion can be found here.