Next The New Saints Manager: Who could replace Scott Ruscoe?
OSWESTRY, WALES - 06 MARCH 2021: JD Cymru Premier league fixture between The New Saints F.C & Bala Town F.C at Park Hall Stadium, on March 6th, 2021, Oswestry, Wales, United Kingdom. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
The Cymru Premier managerial arena was suddenly shaken up on Sunday afternoon as the league leaders parted company with their manager, so who could now be considered as the next New Saints manager?
After a goalless draw with Bala Town which opened up the possibility for Connah’s Quay to overtake them, The New Saints decided to part company with Scott Ruscoe.
Usually an assistant manager or first-team coach can be considered as a replacement, however Steve Evans was also relieved of his duties.
Christian Seargeant, who is only just beginning his coaching career has been placed in charge for the foreseeable future but is not expected just yet to take fully to the TNS hot seat.
Instead they will advertise the role meaning that coaches and managers across the United Kingdom and abroad can register their interest in the role.
Below are a list of suggestions of who could be considered a real candidate for the biggest job in Welsh domestic football.
Embed from Getty ImagesGary Brabin
Former Saints defender Brabin is another who could be considered for the role.
The 50-year-old who had two spells as a player at Park Hall, was previously assistant manager to Ken mcKenna in 2007.
Brabin had 200 Football League appearances as a player, highlighting his extensive contacts book in the game.
His coaching career at TNS was shortened to just under a season after he moved to Southport. He later moved to Cambridge United as their manager before moving to Luton Town. A return to Southport and later Tranmere Rovers.
Coaching opportunities were presented at Blackpool and Port Vale, as well as returning to Kennilworth Road to work under Graeme Jones, though he has been without a coaching role since March 2020.
Given that appointments at TNS usually come from those who have a previous affiliation to the club then he could be highly considered for the vacancy.
Embed from Getty ImagesKen McKenna
A familiar face to the New Saints and to the league is Ken McKenna, who could be seen as a safe pair of hands, given his familiarity to the club.
McKenna was previously the manager of TNS from 2001 to 2008 and had a trophy-laden tenure in his first spell at the club.
He won four league titles, a Welsh Cup, a League Cup and the penultimate FAW Premier Cup.
The 60-year-old has been out of work since leaving AFC Fylde in July 2020 having been a long servant to Jim Bentley.
In an interview conducted by the club in August 2020, McKenna provided an update on his future: “There is nothing in the pipeline at the minute.
“I’m having a look but there is a lot going on at the moment with the present situation we’re in at the moment.
“Until things improve I don’t think there will be many people hiring coaches and managers. I’ll have to wait and see on what comes along.”
Embed from Getty ImagesNigel Adkins
Perhaps an ambitious appointment but one not completely beyond the realm of possibility is Nigel Adkins.
The 55-year-old has gone on to forge a somewhat successful career in the English game.
It all began for him in management though in Wales when he spent three-years in charge of Bangor City as their player-manager. He won two league titles during his time at Farrar Road and is fondly remembered by Citizens fans.
He’s been out of the management game since June 2019 after leaving Hull City with a number of links to jobs however none have materialised.
Embed from Getty ImagesRelieved of his duties by Shrewsbury Town in November 2020, TNS could be the best route back into management for former Wales international Sam Ricketts.
The 39-year-old wasn’t too far from Park Hall when in charge of Shrewsbury which would mean little upheaval for him in regards to moving around for his role.
Ricketts for sure would be an interesting appointment given he is in the early stages of his management career.
He had an impressive playing career and featuring over 50 times for Wales highlighted that.
Chairman Mike Harris however has distanced the club from appointing Ricketts in a recent social media post.
