The New Saints will mark their Europa Conference League debut by welcoming opposition to a League One stadium.
The Welsh champions became the first Cymru Premier side to qualify for the group phase of a European competition, where they will play host to Djurgarden, Astana and Panathinaikos.
GettyShrewsbury Town will play host to at least three European fixtures this season[/caption]
But their arrival on the European stage won’t be on familiar territory, with all home fixtures set to take place at Shrewsbury Town‘s Croud Meadow.
Despite playing all of their home games during qualification at their Oswestry-based club’s Park Hall Stadium, the ground does not meet UEFA regulations for main draw matches.
The ground share comes after TNS were granted dispensation from UEFA to hold the matches outside of Wales, despite rules stating that clubs must play their home fixtures in a stadium within the association in which it represents.
With their permanent base seating 3,000 spectators, the Saints will experience a boost in attendances at the 9,875-capacity Croud Meadow.
And despite a 20-mile distance between the two grounds, the Welsh side are optimistic that they will be well supported in their temporary new venue.
TNS Chairman Mike Harris said: “We’d like to thank Shrewsbury Town for allowing us to host these historic matches at the Croud Meadow.
“We are hopeful the community will come out in full force to support The New Saints as we face some of the continent’s biggest clubs.
“Being so close to our Park Hall home will mean that supporters from Oswestry, Mid Wales, and North Wales can travel to cheer on the team.”
Fans will certainly be more prepared to overlook any potential extra travel given the significance of their participation in Europe’s third-tier competition.
When they line up against Astana on October 4, the clash will mark a first ever home tie in the group phase of a European competition for a Welsh league side.
GettyThe Saints have a first ever European campaign to look forward to after coming through qualifying[/caption]
They will then continue their spell at the League One stadium with games against Djurgarden on November 28, and Panathinaikos on December 12.
Prior to this, the Saints will kick off their Conference League campaign with a mouth-watering away trip to Serie A side Fiorentina, who finished as competition runners-up last time around.
They will also cross the Irish Sea to play Shamrock Rovers, while their final group game will take place at Slovenian champions Celje.
TNS qualified for the group stage with a 3-0 aggregate play-off win against Lithuanian side FK Panevezys.
This came after they lifted the Cymru Premier title last term having gone unbeaten throughout the entire season, winning 30 out of their 32 games.
