Saints legend departs as new striker arrives
Two key senior players departed The New Saints on transfer deadline day - as they moved to bring in a new striker.
Adrian Cieslewicz, who signed for the club in August 2014 from Faroese side B36 Tórshavn went on to make 380 appearances for the Saints, scoring 98 goals and providing 67 assists, picking up countless trophies along the way.
He has signed for fellow Cymru Premier side Caernarfon Town, and club owner Mike Harris along with manager Craig Harrison paid tribute to the Saints hero.
Chairman Mike Harris said: “Ciss’ contribution to The New Saints cannot be overstated. To serve the club with such consistency and distinction over such a long period is remarkable, and he leaves as a true legend of this football club.
“On behalf of everyone associated with TNS, I’d like to thank Ciss for his loyalty, professionalism and incredible commitment, and wish him every success at Caernarfon.”
Head Coach Craig Harrison added: “I signed Ciss during my first spell at the club over ten years ago, and he has been nothing short of outstanding both on and off the pitch in representing The New Saints.
“He’s a great professional, a key part of the leadership group, and someone who is respected throughout the entire football club. Without a shadow of a doubt, he’s one of the best signings I’ve made and a true club legend.
“Unfortunately, with time, Ciss hasn’t been able to play as much as he would like, but that doesn’t take away from everything he has given to this club. We wish him and his lovely family all the very best as he moves forward in his career.
“He will always be welcome back at TNS, and I would personally like to thank him for everything he has done for the club.”
Elsewhere, former Shrewsbury Town midfielder Josh Daniels departed the club to return to Northern Ireland and the Saints moved to bring in former Cambridge United striker Dan Barton.
The 21-year-old arrives at Park Hall from Cambridge, where he progressed through the club’s academy after joining at the age of eight, before going on to establish himself as a first-team player.
Barton made his EFL debut against Stockport County in August 2024 and went on to make 20 senior appearances for the U’s across all competitions.
The striker said: I’m absolutely delighted to be joining The New Saints. It’s a club with a great reputation for success and development, and after speaking with the staff it felt like the right place for me to take the next step.
“Coming through the academy at Cambridge and playing senior football has prepared me well, and I’m excited to get started and help the team however I can.”
