TNS Set Off For Ulster

Ulster Tour
By Chris O'Brien
June 29 2004

Total Network Solutions are set to fly off to Northern Ireland for three pre-season friendlies against Limavady United, Linfield and Portadown. However, Ken McKenna's side have hit an injury crisis ahead of the tour.

Welsh Premier and Cup runners-up Total Network Solutions are all set to leave for Northern Ireland for three pre-season friendly matches, as they full-time outfit look to lift their second league crown next year. Ken McKenna's side are also getting ready for their Uefa Cup campaign, where they face Swedish Fair Play League qualifiers Osters IF over two-legs.

TNS are facing Limavady United, Northern Ireland's biggest club Linfield and Portadown, with the games taking place from July 3rd to July 10th. Fans of all Welsh Premier clubs are likely to have one eye on the results of the Saints, as it is likely to draw comparisons between the standard of the two national leagues.

However, TNS' pre-season plans have hit problems. Steve Evans has picked up a knock in training and is unlikely to feature in any of the friendly matches, and Chris King is still suffering from a knee injury picked up towards the back-end of last season. Manager Ken McKenna and midfielder Simon Davies will both miss the tour also due to Uefa licence studies. Injuries to other players mean TNS will take only 11 fully-fit professionals over the water.