The New Saints FC - The ‘unique rise’ of Wales’ famous football club

In the latest episode of Behind The Badge, Mike Harris, Chairman of Welsh football club The New Saints FC, dropped by to talk to George Harborne and Joe Streeter about the club’s success since becoming Chairman of the club in 2003 Harris began his involvement in football ownership and came up with the unique branding idea of naming a football club after his business, Total Network Solutions FC. Despite the club name being changed once again in 2006 to the The New Saints FC after selling the club to BT, Harris remained as Chairman and guided the club to becoming the most successful Welsh team in history. With national success came a daring venture into European football, with Harris being at the forefront for further Welsh football participation into UEFA competitions. This has led to some famous matches for the club, such as hosting Liverpool FC in a 2005 UEFA Champions League Qualifying match in which despite losing, raised the club’s profile further. This is in no small part down to how Harris and TNS, along with Welsh football clubs, have grew the league commercially over the years and Harris gave insight into how it became where it is today, and what aspects it can improve on to grow further. Follow Behind The Badge on X (Twitter) & LinkedIn to make sure you never miss an episode.