Shropshire Star

The New Saints break transfer record to sign 19 goal former Brighton youngster

The New Saints have broken their transfer record to sign Airdrieonians striker Ben Wilson.

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The 23-year-old makes the move to the Cymru Premier champions having scored 17 goals last season for the Scottish Championship side.

A product of the Brighton academy, Wilson played for the Seagulls in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy, before departing for Northern Irish side Cliftonville.

A haul of 19 goals in 40 games then prompted a move to Scotland, with the Northern Ireland international helping his side avoid relegation with a key goal in their play-off clash.

Saints boss Craig Harrison explained that the club had been monitoring Wilson for some time.

He said: "We are very pleased to get the signing of Ben over the line. He’s a player that’s been on our radar for a few months now.

“He has a proven goal involvement record in both the Northern Irish Premiership with Cliftonville and the Scottish Championship with Airdrie, scoring double figures plus in a struggling team last season.

He’s also had a fantastic upbringing with Brighton, and is a natural goalscorer who can score lots of different types of goals. He will add competition to our already outstanding strike force.”

TNS chairman Mike Harris believes the signing is not just a statement of intent by the Saints - but also shows the rising profile of the Cymru Premier.

He said: "Signing a player of Ben’s quality is a real statement of intent.

“As we prepare for another UEFA Champions League campaign, we’re focused on strengthening every area of the squad, and Ben’s arrival shows our ambition. 

“He’s young, hungry, and proven at a high level, which is exactly the type of player who can help us push on domestically and in Europe.

“The move also goes to show that the JD Cymru Premier is becoming a significant league, and putting itself in the same standing as other domestic leagues around Europe.”