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  The
proposed merger between TNS and Oswestry has been thrown into
lingo over doubts that the new club could not represent
Wales in Europe.
The
merger, spearheaded by TNS Managing Director Mike Harris,
which has been approved by both the FAW and Oswestry Town
shareholders 'would not go through' if the new club were
forbidden from entering European competition. The new club are
looking to relocate to a new purpose built 'super stadium' in
Oswestry by 2005. However, with the new ground being located
in England, Harris has asked UEFA and the FAW for assurances
that his club could still represent Wales, but as of yet has
not received any news either way. Oswestry
Town had been expected to resign from the Welsh Premier, and
do not feature in the new seasons fixture list which was
published earlier in the week. If the merger does not go
through, League secretary John Deakin has insisted that
Oswestry could easily be slotted into the fixture list.
However, it would not be so easy for the Shropshire club, who
have released the majority of their playing squad, including
player/manager Dave Norman who has recently joined Caernarfon
Town.  A
furious Mike Harris (left) has accused the FAW of 'dithering'.
"They have been non-committal on whether they would
nominate us for European place if the merged team played in a
ground across the English border." Harris told the
Western Mail. "The letter I had from them regarding the
issue was about as much use as
a chocolate fireguard - it was full of 'ifs', 'perhaps' and
'maybes'
Harris
continued by criticising the FAW's delay over contacting UEFA,
after placing their enquiry 'weeks ago'. League Secretary John
Deakin was quick to defend the FAW's lack of action claiming
"As far as I am concerned, we have dealt with the matter
as swiftly as possible. I have sought that clarification from
UEFA and I'm waiting. I accept the new season is fast
approaching and the issue needs to be resolved by the end of
this month Will
the merger go ahead? Should Harris' TNS be allowed to
represent Wales despite being based in England? Should the new
club retain Oswestry Town's membership of the FAW? Let us know
your views on the messageboard. |
