Derry duo creating history with Welsh Premier League side TNS

A league title is an achievement not every professional footballer achieves, but even fewer win one undefeated.

But two Derry men have added their names to this esteemed list after their Welsh Premier League title with The New Saints (TNS) this season.

Former Derry City players Rory Holden and Josh Daniels were key to TNS, as they won 30 of their 32 league fixtures.

Daniels said: “It is an unbelievable achievement to go domestically unbeaten for a full season.

“I know TNS are known for winning the league and doing well domestically for years now, but it is great to be the first side to do it now in the new system.

“It gives us loads of confidence going into Europe this summer.”

Winning their third title in a row and 16th overall, TNS will enter the first round of the Champions League this July.

Last season, TNS were eliminated from the Champions League in the first qualifying round by Swedish side Hacken, but the pair are hopeful of a better campaign next season.

Daniels said: “Rory and I have played in Europe previously with Derry, and I played in Europe with Glenavon as well, but it was never Champions League football, so the draw is a lot harder in the Champions League.

“For us, the experience alone is amazing, but this year I think we have built a better squad for going into Europe next season.”

From outside, TNS may not seem the most glamorous, but both Holden and Daniels have loved their time in Wales with the most successful Welsh Football League club, as it has allowed both to win their first silverware in professional football.

Daniels transferred to TNS after a two-season spell at League One side Shrewsbury Town in June 2022, with family at the forefront of his decision along with the ambition of starting more games, a desire Holden held when moving in June 2023 from Port Vale.

Holden said: “I think I’ve played 35 or 36 games, and if you told me I’d play that a year ago, I’d have bitten your hand off. It is something I have been missing over the last three or four years, and I’m just glad to get myself fit and back to enjoying it.

Josh Daniels has been a key player for TNS.

“I do think I was unlucky for a few years, but I knew last year I was in good shape; I just didn’t get the playing time I wanted. It is a full-time environment, same as the Football League, so nothing has changed, and I’ve loved it.”

While both have settled in incredibly well in their new Welsh surroundings, Derry still holds a place close to their hearts.

The pair have hopes Ruaidhrí Higgins can guide the Candystripes to their first title since 1997.

Holden said: “I keep an eye on Derry, check results every week, and watch them whenever I can. I am interested in Derry, and I have been all my life. I’m a Derry lad; I grew up there and came through the academy, so I always keep an eye out.”