Last year The New Saints kicked-off their European run with a win over Glentoran and this week they return to the qualifying rounds of the Uefa Champions League against N.Ireland champions Linfield.
Where the JD Cymru Premier League champions lead, so the two other Welsh qualifiers, Bala Town and Newtown will follow, with both clubs playing their home matches at TNS’ Park Hall ground.
JD Cymru Premier League Club in Europe
Tuesday, 5 July: The New Saints v Linfield (Champions League)
Thursday, 7 July: Bala Town v Sligo Rovers (Park Hall); HB Torshavn (Faroe Islands) v Newtown (Europa Conference League)
Wednesday, 13 July: Linfield v The New Saints
Thursday, 14 July: Newtown v HB Torshavn (Park Hall); Sligo Rovers v Bala Town
After a good run last year, Limbrick will be hoping to press-on in the Champions League and has picked up some useful recruits to bolster his chances of success. Josh Pask, who was at Newport County last season, has joined to play at the back, while ex-Shrewsbury Town winger Josh Daniels will be relishing his chance to play against an Irish team.
Having launched his career at his hometown club, Derry City, he went on to play for Glenavon before moving to Shrewsbury in 2020. Now 26, Daniels picked up age grade honours for N.Ireland and made 50 appearances for Shrewsbury.
“Josh has played in Europe before and understands this type of football. He is looking to prove himself,” said Limbrick, who won the league and cup double last season.
Limbrick has also brought in a goalkeeper to replace stalwart Paul Harrison, who has hung up his gloves. Like Pask and Daniels, who was in the Glenavon side which beat Molde in the Europa League in 2018, Dan Atherton is also in the squad for the game on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old Atherton came through the ranks at Liverpool before joining Warrington Town and will have big boots to fill following the departure of Harrison.
Bala Town host another Irish side, Sligo Rovers on Thursday night, while Newtown are heading to the Faroe Islands to seek European success. The Lakesiders have already had a taste of irish action this summer having held Cliftonville to a goalless draw.
They completed their warm-up for the game against Sligo with a final friendly against London-base club Athletic Newham last Friday. They have also added two new signings to their squad in Naim Arsan and Luke Wall.
