Saints in border battle with FA

Welsh Premier high fliers The New Saints are being claimed as an English club by the Shropshire FA.The Saints, who have represented Wales in Europe nine times, recently moved to a new ground in Oswestry with the approval of the Welsh FA and Uefa, but now find themselves at the centre of a cross-border wrangle.

The Shropshire FA say TNS should come under their jurisdiction and have written to the English FA following a £445,000 Football Foundation grant for the development of Park Hall, money which is only available to English clubs.

The FA have raised the matter with the FAW and discussions are taking place.

Welsh Premier secretary John Deakin conceded the whole issue would again throw into public debate the issue of Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham being barred from Europe.

"This is something fans of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham will perceive as an anomaly. I cannot dispute that," said Deakin. "As far as the issue goes of the Shropshire FA claiming that TNS are English, I can confirm correspondence and discussions have taken place.

"However, as far as I'm concerned, I believe TNS will be permitted to play in Europe again next season and for many years beyond that."

Originally known as Llansantffraid, TNS played their home league matches in the Mid Wales village before a merger with Oswestry Town in 2003 when the club received assurances from the European governing body that they would be allowed to move over the border and retain their "Welsh" status due to Oswestry's founder membership of the FAW.

Club managing director Mike Harris says that the Football Foundation grant was used to develop Park Hall as a community football base, not for the first team.

"Let me get something absolutely clear. We are Welsh through and through," commented Harris.

By John Bridgewater