Everything Adam Roscrow said after record-transfer move to New Saints

Adam Roscrow has revealed the opportunity to play European football was a massive draw in his move to join TNS.

The striker made the move back to the Cymru Premier in a shock transfer which saw TNS break the bank to make him their most expensive signing of all-time.

Roscrow originally signed for A.F.C Wimbledon from Cardiff Met following the 2018/19 season where The Archers achieved European football for the first time in the club’s history.

The Welshman has had spells across Wales having played for Llantwit Major, Pontadardawe Town, Neath and Cardiff Met.

The 25-year-old actually begun his career as a youngster at Swansea City’s academy. Roscrow spoke of his experience at the academy to TNS TV:

“I was there for a year, probably didn’t have the best time there, never quite managed to kick on at Swansea. But it was certainly a great experience at a young age.”

Roscrow would go on to achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer at the age of 24 as he was signed by Wimbledon A.F.C. However, the Welsh striker never thought of the possibility following his release from Swansea City’s academy.

“I think when you get released around that age you think it’s never going to happen. I do consider myself really luck to have got the chance. I was 24 when I did sign for Wimbledon, so that was obviously my first professional contract.

“But I was never really prepared for it, I didn’t think it was going to happen. But very fortunate for it to happen.”

It was his performances at Cardiff Met University FC that earned him his chance in League One as the finisher achieved 45 goals in 90 appearances during his time in the capital. Playing a major part in the club’s triumph of earning Europa League football. Roscrow was unable to experience the joys of the historic achievement of what The Archers had earned as he was signed by Wimbledon ahead of preliminary round.

“It is a difficult choice. I think everyone can see the decision I made and probably the reasons why.

“It was disappointing to not be part of that, but things happen in football, things change.

“I wouldn’t change my decision because if I had of played in that then I may not have had that contract at Wimbledon. I stick by that decision.”

Despite his impressive goal scoring record for Cardiff Met, Roscrow found scoring hard to come by at Plough Lane scoring just two goals in 21 appearances for The Dons.

“It was difficult. I think from going part-time football to full-time, physically, it was very tough.

“It took me a few months just to get used to training everyday, the intensity as well playing at that level, playing with very good players.

“It was tough for a few months, then I started to grow into it. Unfortunately got injured but then got back into the swing of it again.”

Roscrow now swaps London for Oswestry as he makes the switch back to the Cymru Premier. He will be hoping to be back amongst the goals once again as he makes his unexpected return to Welsh domestic football.

“I hadn’t been playing much for Wimbledon the last five/six months. TNS was a chance to come and play football on a hopefully more regular basis. Having played against them many a time over the years the style of football and the way I play, it fits well.

“The prospect of European football, I missed out on the chance with Cardiff Met so hopefully I’d like to think I get that chance here, Champions League is the main focus of the club and hopefully I can be part of the team that gets us there.”

Having missed out on the opportunity of playing European football for Cardiff Met when he made the switch to A.F.C Wimbledon. Roscrow will be hoping to make his first appearance in the Champions League for TNS should they win the league. The prospect of playing European football was a major motive behind his move to TNS as they sit top of the table.

“I missed out on it, so it is something I’ve not been able to put on the CV.

“It is a massive draw and coming to a club where winning the league is the ultimate goal at the start of the season, obviously at the moment in a great place to do that and what comes with that is Champions League football.

“So, that would certainly be my aim whilst I’m here to help the club get into the Champions League.”

Speaking on what the TNS fans can expect from the striker, Roscrow said:

“A more developed, more well-rounded better player than what they would have seen eighteen months ago. I still expect to score plenty of goals, very direct style of play I’ll go in behind, very energetic. But I think now I do that with more quality and on a more regular basis.”

Roscrow has already begun training with his new teammates. However, the forward will have to be patient for his TNS debut as he will have to await the resumption of the league following the suspension of the JD Cymru Premier.

TNS boss Scott Roscoe will be anticipating a goal hungry Roscrow when the league season does get back underway as TNS continue their charge towards a 14th league title.

[Featured Image: © Matthew Lofthouse – Freelance Photographer]