TNS still ‘clear favourites’ believes Andy Morrison ahead of new campaign.

Connah’s Quay Nomads will begin their first ever title defence this Saturday against last season’s title contenders Bala Town.

Andy Morrison’s side will have to be fully prepared for their first test of the league season, with Bala having strengthened their side during the summer.

“You want to start off with an easy game, they don’t come any tougher than Bala. We’ve always had great matches over the years,” Morrison said.

Despite the rivalry for success between the two clubs, Morrison believes there is a mutual respect between both north Walian clubs.

“There’s a mutual respect there. We don’t exchange Christmas cards at that time of the year, its not that sort of relationship.

“But there’s a respect there for what Colin and his players has done over the years and what he’s done again over the summer.

“It’s something we’ve always enjoyed, the battle against them,” Morrison said.

Along with the challenge of trying to maintain their title as champions. The Nomads will face a different test, one that they will likely never have to face again.

With the season beginning on the back of a six-month layoff. This new campaign will be a test of fitness as well as everything else.

“I’m really looking forward to it because its been a long time coming.

“We just want to get going now, we’ve played the Sarajevo game and that was amongst a six month layoff.

“Sooner the season gets up and running and we get some pattern there again, that’s what everybody in the football world and Wales wants.”

Even with Connah’s Quay Nomads securing their first Cymru Premier title last campaign. Morrison still believes that TNS will go into the new campaign as clear favourites. With his expectations having not changed from previous years.

“I don’t think anything changes from the past, such is the level that TNS has set over the years.

“I think they will be clear favourites, they are still way ahead of everybody, their budget it’s way ahead. But in saying that, our budget last year was half of TNS’ and we beat them to the title.

“I think the team that finishes above TNS will win the league.”

The former Manchester City defender is looking forward to the fresh challenge he faces and believes the league has strengthened further during the lengthy break. With Bala and Barry having strengthened their sides having both qualified for Europe last season.

Morrison was delighted for his managerial counterpart Colin Caton who managed club history as he guided his side through to the second qualifying round in Europe for the first time in the club’s history.

“Teams have strengthened, Bala look really strong.

“Delighted for them in Europe. I messaged Colin after the game, I know what it meant to him personally.

“With the period hes been at the club and not quite having won that game (first qualifying round). “

Morrison is looking for his side to focus on themselves rather than the opposition, despite the prospective title contenders strengthening their sides.

“We know the strength of the league again, we just got to look after ourselfs, making sure that were ready. Every single game.

“There’s no preferences, there’s no turning up for one game. We have to be meticulous, intense and aggressive for every game we play in.”

Andy Morrison will be intending to make a statement Saturday evening as his side embark on their new campaign.

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)