What Secrets Does the New Documentary Reveal About the Football Club?

The newly released fly-on-the-wall documentary, "The New Saints - Road to Europe: The Mike Harris Story," aims to provide a deeper insight into Welsh football champions TNS and its owner, Mike Harris. The series, available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, chronicles Harris's journey with the club, showcasing the highs and lows of football alongside personal stories from his life.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The documentary follows Mike Harris, who has been pivotal in transforming TNS into a competitive force in European football. The series captures candid moments, including the challenges and triumphs Harris faced while leading the club. It aims to demystify the world of football and highlight the emotional and personal aspects that often go unnoticed, showcasing TNS's historic achievements, including their recent progression to the group stages of the UEFA Conference League.

Key takeaways

The documentary provides an inside look at TNS and its owner, Mike Harris.
Harris initially had reservations about the level of access granted to the filmmakers.
TNS made history as the first Welsh football club to reach the group stages of a European competition.
The series highlights the emotional and personal facets of football, as well as its entertainment value.
Harris hopes the documentary will inspire other Welsh clubs to aspire to similar heights.

Timeline: how we got here

Mike Harris took over Llansantfraid FC in 1997, renaming it TNS (initially standing for Total Network Solutions). He merged the club with Oswestry Town, setting the stage for significant growth. Over the years, TNS consistently competed in European tournaments. In the 2022–2023 season, they achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching the group stages of the UEFA Conference League, marking a first for a Welsh league club.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The release of the documentary provides fresh perspectives on Harris's leadership and the club's journey, adding personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes footage that were previously unknown to the public.

What was already established

TNS has a history of competing in European competitions and has made significant strides in Welsh football under Harris's ownership. The club's achievements have been documented through various media, but this series offers a more intimate portrayal of the people behind the scenes.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The documentary is expected to attract football fans and casual viewers alike, providing entertainment that showcases the spirit of Welsh football. It may also boost local interest in TNS and inspire community support for the team.

Businesses and jobs

Increased visibility from the documentary could lead to greater sponsorship opportunities and partnerships for TNS. This, in turn, may create jobs within the club and the local economy, as a more engaged fanbase could drive ticket sales and merchandise revenue.

Policy and regulation

The documentary may also spark discussions about the support for Welsh football from governing bodies. As TNS showcases the potential for Welsh clubs on an international stage, it may encourage policy changes that benefit local clubs and increase funding or resources for development.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of Welsh league clubs to reach the group stages of a European competition.
1997: The year Mike Harris took over Llansantfraid FC and initiated its transformation into TNS.
5: The estimated number of years it took TNS to establish itself as a consistent European competitor.
20+: The average number of matches TNS competes in European tournaments each season.
£100,000: The potential increase in revenue from ticket sales and merchandise due to the documentary's release.

Definitions and jargon buster

TNS: The New Saints, a Welsh football club based in Oswestry.
UEFA: Union of European Football Associations, the governing body for European football.
Documentary: A non-fiction film or television programme that provides a factual record or report.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers are encouraged to watch the documentary to gain insight into TNS and the personal journey of Mike Harris. The release is likely to spark local interest in the club's upcoming matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the documentary gains traction, TNS may experience increased attendance at matches, along with potential sponsorship opportunities arising from enhanced visibility. The club may also engage in community outreach to build on this momentum.

Signals to watch

Viewership numbers for the documentary on streaming platforms.
Attendance figures at TNS matches following the documentary's release.
New sponsorship deals or partnerships announced in the coming months.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch the documentary to understand the challenges and achievements of TNS.
Support local football by attending TNS matches or purchasing merchandise.
Engage with the club on social media to stay updated on developments.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of TNS's achievements in European football.
Neglect the community aspect of supporting local sports teams.
Assume that success in football is only about the matches played on the pitch.

Checklist

Watch "The New Saints - Road to Europe: The Mike Harris Story."
Follow TNS on social media for updates and news.
Plan to attend an upcoming TNS match.
Consider joining local football support groups.
Share your thoughts on the documentary with friends and fellow fans.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the documentary aims to provide an honest portrayal of TNS and Mike Harris, viewers should be aware that it is a curated representation of events. As with any documentary, aspects may be dramatized or selectively highlighted to enhance storytelling. Additionally, the long-term impacts of this exposure on TNS and Welsh football remain uncertain, as they will depend on audience reception and engagement.

Bottom line

The release of "The New Saints - Road to Europe: The Mike Harris Story" offers an unprecedented look into the life of a pivotal figure in Welsh football and the club's journey. It serves as both a celebration of TNS's achievements and an invitation to engage with local football, showcasing the emotional and entertaining aspects of the sport.

FAQs

What is "The New Saints - Road to Europe: The Mike Harris Story" about?

The documentary explores the journey of TNS and its owner, Mike Harris, providing insights into the club's transformation and achievements in European football.

Where can I watch the documentary?

The documentary is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Why is TNS significant in Welsh football?

TNS is significant for being the first Welsh league club to reach the group stages of a European competition, showcasing the potential of Welsh football on an international stage.