Three of last seasons players have already turned out this season for League of Wales side TNS, based in the mid-Wales village of Llansantffraid. Player of the Season Gary Brabin was unable to agree on a new contract at the Deva Stadium and has now signed non-contract terms with TNS. Gary’s no-nonsense style was one of the factors that helped haul Chester away from the relegation zone and he played in 16 of the club’s last 17 games scoring vital goals against Leigh and Dover. A former nightclub bouncer Gary played in the Football League for Stockport County, Doncaster Rovers, Bury, Blackpool, Lincoln City, Hull City and Torquay United.

Although Chris Malkin (pic right) played on trial for TNS in their friendly victory over Wrexham he does not appear to have signed for the club at the time of writing. Chris was one of the first players to be brought into the club by Gordon Hill and took the unusual role of player/physio. He only managed five starts and four substitute appearances for Chester and his single goal came in the Cheshire Senior Cup tie again Stalybridge Celtic. An experienced striker Chris played for Stork AFC, Tranmere Rovers, Millwall, Blackpool and Telford United. He was actually one of the final goalscorers at Sealand Road, scoring for Tranmere in a 2-2 draw in the penultimate game at our old ground in April 1990.

Scott Ruscoe (pic left) signed for TNS in January 2002 after 18 months at the Deva Stadium. He made his debut as a substitute, against Leigh RMI, in October 2000 after joining the club from Newtown and appeared in 37+13 League games, scoring five goals. Scott has been playing in central midfield for TNS where his ability at set-pieces and distribution have proved a great asset. He was present at the Deva Stadium last week for the Kettering Town game having just returned from a tiring trip to Poland where TNS were beaten 5-0 by Amica Wronki in the UEFA Cup. For Scott it was a second taste of European football having previously played for Newtown against Wisla Kracow in 1998. Talking about the Amica game Scott commented “It was a great experience, for the first 35 minutes we looked comfortable but they scored just before half-time and our heads dropped after the second goal. It would be nice to think we could get a draw or a win in the second leg but it is going to be difficult as I consider them the equivalent of a decent First Division side.”