FORMER Saints' favourite Nicky Ward has made a surprise return to the club, four years after he left for pastures new.
The 33-year-old, who played an important role in Bangor City's title win last season, walked-out on Farrar Road last week and says he is delighted to rejoin the club where he has spent the majority of his Welsh Premier career.
Formerly with both Wrexham and Shrewsbury, Ward joined Newtown in 1998 but left midway through season 1999/00 to play a part in the Saints' first-ever league title win.
After nearly seven season with TNS, and three more championship medals, he was not offered terms for 2007/8 and spent a year in London, where he signed for Welling United, but returned to the domestic scene with Cefn Druids and then Newtown in January 2009.
His form attracted the attention of Bangor boss Nev Powell and he transferred to Bangor a year later, making 45 appearances for the club.
During his previous spell at TNS, Ward scored 51 goals from 122 (+28) Welsh Premier appearances.
"Nicky will be an excellent addition to the squad who, because of his versatility, will provide competition for places in several areas of the pitch," says director of football Mike Davies.
Photo: Nicky Ward is welcomed back to the club by Mike Davies after signing today.