Wales C Captain Rawlinson joins Port Vale as TNS release nine

The New Saints defender Connell Rawlinson has left the Welsh Premier League champions for League Two outfit Port Vale, as TNS release nine players ahead of the new season.

Rawlinson has been at the club for eight years, but has now left the Welsh outfit to join Port Vale in the Football League, whilst eight of his other teammates have been released by the club.

The 26 year-old has been a central figure at the Oswestry based side for a number of years under bothj new Bangor bass Craig Harrison and current managers Steve Evans and Scott Ruscoe.

But, the defender, who captained Wales C against England this season, has called time on his tenure with the club to join Port Vale, along with Cambridge defender Leon Legge.

In total, Rawlinson, 26, spent eight years as a player with The New Saints, as well as a loan spell at Newtown. He was named the captain of the Wales C team for their game with England back in March, which they suffered a narrow 3-2 loss.

“Just like to thank the chairman, staff, and all the lads @tnsfc that I have worked with over an 8 year period. tweeted the departing Rawlinson,”

I’ve had an amazing time and made some great memories. Was just the right time for me to leave and try my hand at something new. Wish the club all the best in the future.”

Rawlinson heads the departures, although his club future is secured after he penned a one-year contract at League Two side Port Vale, who had been admiring his services since February. However, Scott Ruscoe is expected to bring in a number of reinforcements following the departures.

Jacob Farleigh, Wes Fletcher, Aron Hughes Jones, Aaron Jones, Robbie Parry, Ryan Pryce, Steve Saunders and Andy Wycherley have all left the club.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to each and every one for their personal contribution towards the on-field success of the club during their respective time with us,” said a statement released on TNS.co.uk

We also wish everyone all the very best for the future. In addition, we will be releasing news of new signings in due course.”

The departures include numerous key first team players.

Fletcher has been at the club for two seasons, and scored six league goals during his time at the club. Ryan Pryce previously had a trial at Middlesbrough and will join Jamie Vardy’s V9 academy this summer.

Parry joined the Welsh side in 2015, but spent the second half of this season on loan at Llandudno, and has since been released by the club, whilst once capped Scotland international Steve Saunders leaves the club after two seasons at Park Hall.

Featured Image: Will Cheshire