Latest news with #CraigHarrison
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
TNS target European group stage return
Head coach Craig Harrison says a return to the group phase is the target as The New Saints prepare to face Differdange 03 in the Uefa Conference League second qualifying suffered a painful Champions League exit last week as they conceded deep in extra time against Welsh champions now drop into the Conference League, where they must come through three two-legged knockout ties if they are to repeat the heroics of last season by reaching the group first of those is against Luxembourg champions Differdange, with the first leg at Park Hall on Wednesday (19:00 BST)."We have reached the league phase once and we want to go and do it again," Harrison said. "Saying it and actually doing it are very different things. We have got no god-given right to go and do it again, but that is our aim."TNS became the first club from Wales' domestic leagues to progress from the qualifying rounds to the group stages of a European competition last being beaten in the second stage of Champions League qualifying by Ferencvaros, Harrison's side lost in Europa League qualifying to Petrocub before victory over FK Panevezys sealed their place in the Conference League group phase. TNS then faced Fiorentina, Djurgardens, Astana, Shamrock Rovers, Panathinaikos and Celje, with their solitary group victory coming against Kazakhstan's Astana."When I first spoke to [TNS owner] Mike Harris about coming back, we talked about getting to the group stages in Europe within three to five years," Harrison said."We managed it in two, so we were ahead of schedule. It's now about trying to emulate that. We have to keep standards and expectations very high." Saints were beaten 2-1 in North Macedonia last week after a goalless draw in the first felt the stalemate was a "missed opportunity" and says his players must make home advantage count against Differdange, who have also dropped into the Conference League after losing to Kosovo's FC Drita in the Champions winners of the tie will meet either Estonia's FCI Levadia Tallinn or FC Iberia 1999, of Georgia, in the third qualifying two other Welsh clubs who reached Europe this season, Penybont and Haverfordwest County, are already out of the Conference successes last season had an impact for their fellow Cymru Premier clubs, with the boost it brought in Uefa coefficient points ensuring there will be four Welsh clubs rather than three in Europe in is conscious that TNS are flying the flag for Wales once more, adding: "We know that is our responsibility every year and how much it means to the country."
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
History in Malta and dancing on the streets of Andorra
Bigger Cup is up and running, baby, as we officially wave goodbye to 'last season' and welcome 'this season'. The question of when we enter a new campaign is eternally asked; it's like the quandary of where the north of England starts (anything above Bristol Stoke, if you were wondering), and Football Daily is happy to provide the definitive answer of … roundabout now. Tuesday's first qualifying round second legs brought the drama Uefa desperately needs to make the competition entertaining before the drudge of matches from September to January. Unfortunately for the suits in Switzerland, almost certainly none of the teams currently playing in the qualifying rounds will reach the league stage but we should let Hamrun Spartans, Lincoln Red Imps and Drita dream … for a bit. At the same time, the prospect of facing Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and FC Basel is over for another year for the likes of The New Saints, Differdange 03 and Virtus, who will have to wipe away the tears, pull their socks up and go again in Tin Pot. Permanent Welsh champions TNS went down to a 116th-minute own goal against Macedonia's Shkendija to lose 2-1 on the night and on aggregate. Football Daily might even have watched it on S4C due to our commitment to the underdog and love of Welsh commentary. 'There is one thing everyone can be proud of through the club, it's that everyone gave everything that they had,' chirped manager Craig Harrison. 'No one could give anything more and sometimes that's all you can ask.' There was greater cruelty for Lithuania's Zalgaris, who last won a two-legged Big Cup tie in 2000, as they were sent packing by Malta's mighty Hamrun Spartans 11-10 on penalties after 28 spot-kicks. It is the first time a Maltese side have made it beyond this round, becoming part of football history in the process. Even in defeat there can be triumph. Andorra's national team are ranked 173rd in the world, therefore when their best and brightest, Inter Club d'Escaldes, drew Romanian giants FCSB, who won the competition back in the 1986 by beating Barcelona, when they were known as Steaua, no one gave them a chance. Inter Club d'Escaldes obviously lost over two legs because FCSB possess the former Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches and ex-Port Vale man Dennis Politic. Respectfully beaten 3-1 in the Romanian capital, a lesser team would have given up and gone through the motions. But Inter Club could not let down the 509 fans inside the Nou Estadi Encamp and ran out 2-1 winners, exiting by a single-goal margin. The names of Sascha Andreu and Alexandre Llovet will be sung on the streets of Escaldes–Engordany for years to come. Dynamo Kyiv, Slovan Bratislava and Crvena Zvezda enter in the next round, readying themselves to bring their lesser-known rivals back down to earth and restore the natural order at the top of the second qualifying round tree. Come May, the ending will doubtless be the same given that the biggest clubs win the biggest prizes, but the summer months provide a reminder that football is more than just millionaires battling for trinkets and there is still glory to be had for those other professionals who can say they are Bigger Cup players. The evolution of the football season is well and truly under way. Join Sarah Rendell from 8pm BST for Euro 2025 quarter-final MBM coverage of Norway 2-1 Italy. 'As you may be aware, other clubs seem to go through much more protracted disputes with less severe outcomes. Many believe that this process has been opaque and disproportionately punitive. We hope you will take this matter seriously and act to uphold the principles of fairness, accountability, and integrity in sport' – part of the contents of a letter from seven Liberal Democrat MPs to culture secretary Lisa Nandy, urging her to intervene over Crystal Palace's demotion from Bigger Vase, following a fan protest on the streets of south London on Tuesday. Apropos the article on Puma's deal with Manchester City (yesterday's Football Daily), a shout out please for their retro-inspired 2025-26 strips produced for Port Vale's 150th anniversary. Pleasingly sponsor-free and designed by supporters (OK, the boss's son) rather than some PR wonk, they are the absolute business' – Rob Ford. Re: yesterday's Football Daily letters. For the last 30 years I've lived roughly a Rory Delap throw-in away from the Auld Triangle/Plimsoll in Finsbury Park. On a visit to the Irish Emigration Musuem in Dublin a few years ago, my daughter was surprised to see a faithful reproduction of the pre-gastro incarnation set up as an example of the type of pub that the Irish diaspora has created around the world. I've no idea if it is still an exhibit there, but possibly worth a trip for anyone who misses the old days. I don't think they have a replica Robbie doing the quiz, mind' – Brendan Mackinney. If you have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … Rob Ford. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. Back to Crystal Palace, albeit indirectly, after their former goalkeeper and troublesome dinner guest Wayne Hennessey called time on his playing career. 'I have amazing memories playing for both club and country,' declared the Welshman, who won 109 caps but also managed to get a David Squires cartoon based on his off-field actions. 'From my early days at Wolves, loans at Stockport and Yeovil, and my time with Palace, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, each club shaped me both on and off the field. Having been born and raised in north Wales, it was always my dream to play at the highest level. It was a privilege to play in the Premier League and for my country over 100 times.' It will be clubmate v clubmate when England face Sweden in the last eight of Euro 2025, but Arsenal's Leah Williamson is looking forward to colliding with Stina Blackstenius. 'It's rare that I get to play against Stina in this setting. I enjoy it, I like Stina,' she grinned. 'It's tough to remove all of that to just go at it, you don't want to focus on it too much … but I think I've known Stina long enough now that I know who she is and it's time to focus on us.' Technical problems with Fifa's online Mr/Mrs 15% exam have prevented candidates from completing the test, with many told they will have to wait 12 months and try again. 'Lots of people have put loads of time and effort into revising and to not be able to take the exam is really unfair. It's a shambles,' whispered a source. Manchester United want Bryan Mbeumo. Big Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn't keen on going north of £65m. Brentford want nearer £70m. On it goes. Ethan Nwaneri, one of Arsenal's breakout tyros from last season, is poised to commit his future to the club and sign a lucrative new contract. Leicester have plumped for former QPR boss Martí Cifuentes as the best option to succeed Ruud van Nistelrooy. 'This is a fantastic club with a proud history and it's a privilege to me to be asked to help write the next chapter,' cheered Cifuentes. And Australia winger Nestory Irankunda hopes a move from Bayern to Watford can reboot his flamin' international career in time for the World Cup. 'I have to be playing minutes and I wasn't playing,' he sighed. 'The Championship's also a world-class league. The best thing for me was to go somewhere else.' Wing, Back. Utaka. The Knowledge looks at players whose names are similar to their positions, the hottest English match on record and plenty more. Will the Norway of Hegerberg, Graham Hansen, Reiten et al finally fulfil their potential at Euro 2025? Tom Garry previews their quarter-final with Italy. Euro 2025 is shaping up to be a great success, reckons Suzanne Wrack, but we could still do with an upset or two. Suzanne also shines the spotlight on the importance of England's game-finishing 'clique'. And with half the Scottish Premiership now under US ownership, Graham Ruthven analyses the growing American investor interest in fitba. Touching their hero, children from the Sacred Heart primary school, which adjoined the Middlesbrough's training ground, mob new signing Juninho after he completed his first full training session with the team in October 1995.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Striker Oteh 'in tears after racist abuse'
Aramide Oteh came on as a substitute for the final minute of The New Saints' defeat in Skopje [FAW] The New Saints have alleged striker Aramide Oteh was racially abused following their Champions League qualifying round defeat in North Macedonia. Saints head coach Craig Harrison said former English Football League player Oteh, 26, was left in tears by the incident with a home supporter. Advertisement Shkendija scored a winner late in extra time as TNS were beaten 2-1 in front of a crowd of 3,000 at the Tose Proeski Arena in Skopje. "The New Saints FC strongly and unequivocally condemn the racist abuse directed at Aramide Oteh by a member of the home crowd following the conclusion of tonight's Uefa Champions League first qualifying round match against KF Shkendija," a statement from the Welsh champions said. "There is absolutely no place for racism - either in football or in society. Everyone at the club is offering their full support to Aramide and stand firmly by him. "The New Saints are proud to support UEFA's #NoToRacism campaign and remain committed to promoting equality, respect and inclusion both on and off the pitch." Advertisement Englishman Oteh, who came on as a substitute in extra time, joined TNS in 2024 having played for Queens Park Rangers, Bradford City, Stevenage, Salford City, Crawley Town and Walsall. The London-born player was visibly upset following the Shkendija defeat. "He is in tears - that doesn't happen for no reason," said Harrison. "It's clearly what's been said and done. Obviously that's unacceptable. We will be reporting that. "For a fan to speak to anybody like that is an absolute disgrace and let's hope the culprit gets a fair punishment and is dealt with." Advertisement There has been no comment as yet from Shkendija, though the club indicated they would consult security staff and people who may have witnessed the alleged incident. Uefa will review reports from the match in the next few days before deciding whether action will be taken. Shkendija won the tie 2-1 on aggregate following a goalless draw in the first leg at TNS' Park Hall home last week. Defeat means Harrison's team drop into the Conference League, where they will face Differdange of Luxembourg.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Striker Oteh 'in tears after racist abuse'
The New Saints have alleged striker Aramide Oteh was racially abused by a home fan following their Champions League qualifying round defeat in North head coach Craig Harrison said the incident left former EFL player Oteh, 26, in scored a winner late in extra time as TNS were beaten 2-1 in front of a crowd of 3,000 at the Tose Proeski Arena in Skopje."The New Saints FC strongly and unequivocally condemn the racist abuse directed at Aramide Oteh by a member of the home crowd following the conclusion of tonight's Uefa Champions League first qualifying round match against KF Shkendija," a statement from the Welsh champions said. "There is absolutely no place for racism - either in football or in society. Everyone at the club is offering their full support to Aramide and stand firmly by him."The New Saints are proud to support UEFA's #NoToRacism campaign and remain committed to promoting equality, respect and inclusion both on and off the pitch."Englishman Oteh, who came on as a substitute in extra time, joined TNS in 2024 having played for Queens Park Rangers, Bradford City, Stevenage, Salford City, Crawley Town and London-born player was visibly upset following the Shkendija defeat."He is in tears - that doesn't happen for no reason," said Harrison. "It's clearly what's been said and done. Obviously that's unacceptable. We will be reporting that."For a fan to speak to anybody like that is an absolute disgrace and let's hope the culprit gets a fair punishment and is dealt with."There has been no comment as yet from Shkendija, though the club indicated they would consult security staff and people who may have witnessed the alleged Sport has asked Uefa for won the tie 2-1 on aggregate following a goalless draw in the first leg at TNS' Park Hall home last means Harrison's team drop into the Conference League, where they will face Differdange of Luxembourg.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saints will play to the conditions
The New Saints lost 5-0 away to Shkendija in the Champions League qualifiers in 2018 [Getty Images] Champions League First Qualifying Round Second Leg: KF Shkendija v The New Saints Venue: National Arena Todor Proeski, Skopje Date: Tuesday, 15 July Kick-off: 18:00 BST Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio Shropshire and on BBC Sport website and app. Advertisement The New Saints manager Craig Harrison says the heat will be a big factor when they play in North Macedonia against Shkendija in the Champions League qualifiers. Saints could not find a breakthrough in a tight first leg of the first qualifying round tie at Park Hall, which ended goalless. But Harrison is confident his side will create chances in Skopje and will draw on the experience of last season's draw away to Decic in Montenegro. "The heat will play a big factor so we can't go running around like madmen closing down and wasting energy," Harrison told BBC Radio Shropshire. "We know what it's like in Montenegro, which is in the same region of the world, so it will be similar conditions, really warm. Advertisement "So we'll have to manage the game accordingly and we'll have to be a little bit better in possession of the ball." Harrison said his side did "everything but score a goal" in what was an evenly-matched first leg. The Saints boss, in his second spell in charge of the 17-times Welsh champions, feels his side are capable of securing a win and progressing in the competition. "I do think that if we can keep a clean sheet out there, I think we'll go through," Harrison added. "We went out to Decic and were up against it there and we drew 1-1 in very, very similar surroundings. Advertisement "We'll have a game plan, we'll be well-organised and well-drilled out of possession. "But I do think we're very dangerous on the counter-attack and will create chances." The winners will face FCSB of Romania or Andorra's Inter Club d'Escaldes in the second qualifying round while the losing team drop into the Conference League.
