THE New Saints have officially launched its search for a new coach to replace the sacked Anthony Limbrick.

TNS parted ways with the popular Australian on Thursday after he failed to secure passage to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

Saints lost in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League against Linfield, coming within seconds of an aggregate win, and then failed to overturn Vikingur Reykjavik's 2-0 lead in the Conference League.

The news came as a shock to much of the Welsh football family after Limbrick guided TNS to a first title in three years, with a 21-point margin, and later completed a domestic double with the FAW Cup.

However, the Park Hall hotseat is vacant and the club is accepting applications.

A statement said: "The New Saints FC are looking to appoint a full-time first team head coach with proven experience and success in the professional game, and a UEFA Pro Licence qualification.

"Please email your CV and introductory letter outlining why you should be considered for the position."

Applications need to be submitted to Ian Williams, Saints's chief operating officer, by Monday, August 8, with interviews to begin on Monday, August 15.

This means the Welsh champions will start the season at Newtown with a caretaker manager, likely to be Christian Seargeant who assisted Limbrick, and also the Nathaniel MG Cup clash with long-term rivals Connah's Quay Nomads.

In the statement sacking Limbrick, TNS said: "The New Saints Football Club have relieved first team head coach, Anthony Limbrick, of his duties with immediate effect, with a view to agreeing a mutually agreed termination of his contract.

"The club would like to thank Anthony for the work he carried out at the club and will be making no further comment on the decision at this time."