The New Saints boss Craig Harrison bags award
The New Saints boss Craig Harrison has been named the Welsh Premier’s manager of the season for a third year in a row at the annual awards night in Newport.
Harrison led the Saints to an 11th league crown, and sixth in succession, as well as the Nathaniel MG Cup, while his side were also beaten Welsh Cup finalists.
The champions, who finished 27 points clear of their nearest rivals, also set a world record of 27 consecutive wins during the campaign, eclipsing Dutch giants Ajax’s previous best set in 1971-72.
TNS, who also racked up a record 10-0 win over Rhyl during the season, have been the dominant force in Welsh domestic football in recent times with back-to-back trebles in the previous two years.
Harrison beat off competition from Andy Morrison, manager of runners-up Gap Connah’s Quay, and Bala Town’s Colin Caton, whose side finished third as well as defeating TNS 2-1 in the Welsh Cup final.
Huw Griffiths, whose Cefn Druids side defied the odds in securing Welsh Premier survival, was the other nominee.
Already winner of the Welsh Premier’s Golden Boot, Newtown marksman Jason Oswell capped a terrific season by being named as the league’s player of the season.
He beat off the challenge from TNS midfielder Jon Routledge and Bangor City’s Henry Jones.
Oswell, 24, scored 22 goals during the campaign as the Robins reached the play-offs which he missed as he is currently in Uganda for his final placement of a degree in physiotherapy.
Winner of the young player of the season award was Henry Jones, who scored 10 goals from 27 starts during his first season in the league with Bangor City after being released by Premiership club Swansea City.
