Former Chester and Port Vale figure returns to former club to take up management job
OSWESTRY, ENGLAND - 27 AUGUST 2020: TNS’ manager Scott Ruscoe shouts commands at his players during the New Saints FC v MSK Zilina, Europa League Qualifying First Round Fixture, Park Hall Stadium. Pic by John Smith/FAW
Newtown have unveiled Scott Ruscoe as their new first-team manager.
Ruscoe replaces Chris Hughes who left Latham Park after 10 years in the post. He inherits a side which are fifth in the Cymru Premier as they await the release of the Phase Two fixtures.
As part of his appointment, Ruscoe will work alongside Callum McKenzie in ‘integrating’ academy players into the first team. The 47-year-old returns to Welsh domestic football after nearly two years away from the game following his sacking at TNS.
Ruscoe was the Professional Development Phase coach at Port Vale for 20 months, before leaving in November. He is now back in football management, and his first competitive match will take place on the weekend of Saturday, February 3.
“Returning to Newtown is a fantastic opportunity and one that I am looking forward to,” said Ruscoe in an official club post.
“It is a football club that operates the right way, with great people behind the scenes and a strong group of players that I am excited to start working with.”
Ruscoe’s senior playing career began at Newtown after being released by Stoke City and later Port Vale, and spent three years at the Mid Wales outfit. He moved on to Chester City in 2000, before joining TNS in 2002 where he spent 14 years of his 21-year playing career.
He was the club captain at TNS and won eight league titles, three Welsh Cups, six League Cups, and a Premier Cup during his playing spell at Park Hall. Ruscoe went on to manage TNS after replacing Craig Harrison and won two league titles as well as three cups.
Ruscoe has the UEFA Pro Licence, and that will allow him to manage in Europe should they qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Newtown can qualify by finishing second in the Cymru Premier, through finishing third should TNS or Connah’s Quay win the Welsh Cup, or winning the play-offs which will be held in April.
