THE New Saints will play their debut season in European football in Shropshire after UEFA gave the go-ahead for Shrewsbury Town as host.

Saints have been waiting for UEFA to agree to the request to hold their three UEFA Conference League league stage home games at the Croud Meadow, home of English League One side Shrewsbury Town.

They had also been offered the use of Cardiff City’s home ground as per previous qualifying matches while nearby Wrexham ruled themselves out of ground-sharing early into the process.

READ MORE: TNS's Mike Harris says European qualification is 'surreal'

READ MORE: TNS scouting trip to watch Fiorentina aim for Harrison

But on Monday, TNS chairman Mike Harris confirmed that UEFA have agreed to their request, much to his delight.

And he called on Town fans to enjoy the prospect of Thursday night European football as Saints host FC Astana, from Kazakhstan on Thursday, October 24’ Swedes Djurgarden on November 28 and Greek giants Panathinaikos on December 12.

OTHER NEWS:

He said: “We’d like to thank Shrewsbury Town for allowing us to host these historic matches at the Croud Meadow.

“We are hopeful the community will come out in full force to support The New Saints as we face some of the continent's biggest clubs.

“Being so close to our Park Hall home will mean that supporters from Oswestry, Mid Wales, and North Wales can travel to cheer on the team.”

Although UEFA Conference League rules stipulate that clubs must play their home fixtures in a stadium within the association in which it represents, The New Saints have been granted dispensation from UEFA to hold the matches outside of Wales due to no suitable category four stadium being available to host all three matches.

Liam Dooley, Shrewsbury Town chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome The New Saints to the Croud Meadow.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

“A lot of work has been completed behind the scenes on this by both clubs working together and we are really happy to get this over the line.

“It gives us the chance to showcase our stadium around Europe, as well as providing additional revenue for the club, and supporting TNS on their journey.”

Saints kick off their European adventure next week with the biggest game in the club’s history as they travel to Florence to face Italian giants and former finalists AFC Fiorentina on October 3.