The New Saints Football Club (TNS) is making headlines this month as it continues to bolster its squad with exciting new signings and prepare for the upcoming fixtures. Recently, TNS has snatched up talented midfielder Kelsey Thomas from Swansea City and winger Destiny Reid, who joins from Birmingham City. These moves come after the club already secured promising teens Megan Bowen and Mia Davies earlier this month, indicating TNS’s commitment to building for the future.
Kelsey Thomas, who has made notable strides in her career, joins after proving her skills with Swansea’s youth teams and later with Aberystwyth Town, where she impressed during the inaugural season of the Genero Adran Premier. Expressing her excitement about joining TNS, Thomas said, “I’m really excited to be at the club. It’s a club with big ambitions and the players and coaches have welcomed me greatly. I can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to the new challenge with The New Saints.”
Reid brings her own wealth of experience, having previously represented West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, as well as gaining international experience up to U15s level with England. Her enthusiasm mirrors Thomas’s, stating, “It’s a club with great ambitions in the women’s game, so it’s an ideal fit for the next part of my career. The girls have been enjoying a great season so far, and obviously won the Genero Adran Trophy last weekend, so I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and play my part.”
Head coach Shauna Duffy is thrilled with the new additions, noting, “Kelsey has already shown how versatile she can be...we feel like she has already slotted in well with the group.” Duffy also praised Reid, describing her as “a unique talent” who can play across multiple positions within the team. The anticipation for how both players will integrate with existing squad members is high.
This weekend marks another important milestone for TNS as they prepare to take on Cardiff Met University at Park Hall Stadium. This match serves as both the conclusion of the first phase of the Genero Adran Premier and the return of TNS to their home ground after their recent cup success. Sitting firmly third on the league table with 24 points, TNS is poised to finish the first phase strong. Cardiff Met, struggling at the bottom of the table with just two points, will need to rally significantly to contend.
Recent form has been promising for The Saints. TNS demonstrated impressive skill and teamwork during their recent quarter-finals of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup, defeating Briton Ferry Llansawel 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw. Their win has paved the way for them to secure their place among the top teams within the Welsh football structure this season.
Challenging as it may be, head coach Craig Harrison emphasizes keeping focus as TNS pursues their championship goals. “From our point of view, we are not looking too far ahead and only focusing on the next game which is always the most important,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of every match as they aim to solidify their lead atop the table. Harrison had previously rotated players during their recent games to maintain fitness and competitive spirit.
With the emergence of fresh talent and TNS’s recent accomplishments, the club is undoubtedly aiming for continued success as they advance through the league. The upcoming days are set to be thrilling for The New Saints as they take to the pitch, demonstrating their ambitions and capabilities to both fans and competitors alike.