Craig Harrison on Managing Pressure at TNS
Craig Harrison, former Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace player, currently manages The New Saints (TNS) and has spoken about the pressures associated with his role, especially following a challenging start to the season.
Despite early setbacks, including a disappointing European campaign and a significant home loss to Briton Ferry Llansawel on the opening day of the JD Cymru Premier season, TNS ultimately finished 22 points ahead at the top of the league, securing their 18th Welsh title.
"There's always pressure being TNS manager because you expect to win every single game," Harrison told Wales. "If you draw a game, it's catastrophe. If you lose a game, it's the end of the world. So there's always pressure and it's something I've been involved with for 10 years plus."
European Campaign and Domestic Performance
Under Harrison's leadership, TNS became the first Welsh domestic club to compete in the group stages of a European competition during the 2024-25 season. However, the team faced defeats against North Macedonia's KF Shkendija in the Champions League qualifiers and Luxembourg's FC Differdange in the Conference League.
These European results were described as "disappointing" by TNS chairman Mike Harris, amid speculation regarding Harrison's managerial position.
"Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a fantastic time and it wasn't particularly comfortable," Harrison reflected. "But as in pressure, there's pressure every single day from myself to perform. I put on myself to win games, the standards that I want, the standards that I set, the standards that I think are acceptable."
Season Overview and Cup Competitions
Despite the early season challenges and European exits, Harrison's squad won 26 of their 32 league matches, with four losses and two draws. However, the team was eliminated by Cardiff Met in the third round of the JD Welsh Cup and lost to Barry Town United in the Nathaniel MG Cup final.
"League-wise we've been as good as any," Harrison said. "We've ended up winning the league by 22 points, which is massive. It was my 10th title so I'm very proud of that and I think the longevity of it is amazing. We're disappointed in the cup competitions and we're a little bit disappointed about the European campaign. Previously, we'd either won the League Cup or we'd won the Welsh Cup and the year before that, we'd won all three. So, that's the standards that are set and we do our best to win every trophy. At some point, we're going to be a little bit disappointed because their standards are so high."
Under the ownership of Mike Harris, TNS have dominated the Cymru Premier, winning the last five league trophies and securing 13 championships in 15 years.
Looking Ahead: Squad Changes and Future Goals
With the domestic season concluded, TNS players have a month-long break before resuming training in May ahead of the Champions League qualifiers in July. Harrison is actively seeking to strengthen the squad and has already signed Rhys Hughes, a forward from Connah's Quay Nomads.
"Rhys brings creativity, he brings quality and he brings more options at the front end of the pitch," Harrison commented on the former Wales Under-21 international. "Rhys knows the league, played in the league for the last couple of years and he's proven in the league. So, we know what we're going to get from Rhys."
With the Cymru Premier expanding to a 16-team league next season, Harrison has clear objectives for TNS.
"Back again trying to win all three competitions - League Cup, Welsh Cup and Welsh Prem," he said.
