THE New Saints open their quest to regain the Welsh Premier League title at home to Prestatyn Town on Friday night, and the visitors' player-manager Neil Gibson is tipping TNS to claim the crown.

“I’m looking at TNS or Llanelli with Neath a possible surprise package if everything gels together for them," says Gibson, "but looking at the quality they have it’s TNS for me.”
Last season Gibson relied on a squad of entirely local players within a modest budget, but the quest for a place in "Super 12" has seen the former Tranmere Rovers man bring in four players with proven Welsh Premier experience in Andy Moran, Paul O’Neill, Steve Rogers and Gareth Wilson.
Rogers and Wilson are no strangers to the Saints - striker Rogers played at the old Park Hall many times for Oswestry Town and Willo was a member of the side that won the title in 2000.
Despite being beaten home and away in the league by TNS last season, the Seasiders produced some stirring stuff in the League Cup, fighting back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Park Hall, and taking a three-goal lead before being overhauled in the return at Bastion Road.
Photo: Neil Gibson in action for Prestatyn against the Saints last season.