“Retain the title and I’ll take you to Vegas” – Nomads owner Gary Dewhurst

Captain George Horan (left) and Callum Morris lift the Cymru Premier champions trophy. Picture: Nik Mesney, NCM Media

Connah’s Quay Nomads owner Gary Dewhurst has given his champions a massive incentive to repeat their amazing feat – ‘defend the title and I’ll take you all to Las Vegas‘.

Dewhurst was speaking on social media after the Quay finally received their Cymru Premier League championship trophy in a socially-distanced celebration today.

Andy Morrison’s side lifted the national league crown for the first time in their history last season, halting the eight successive title streak of The New Saints.

Nomads are only the third North Wales team to become CPL champions, Bangor City (3 times) and Rhyl (twice) the other two to manage it in the league’s 28-year existence.

Since Morrison took over in November 2015, the Deesiders have landed a first-ever Welsh Cup, qualified for Europe five times, reached the Scottish Challenge Cup final and claimed the Nathaniel MG League Cup.

On March 13, 2020, all Cymru Premier games were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gary Dewhurst

May 19 saw the league cancelled. Connah’s Quay Nomads were declared champions on the unweighted Points Per Game method. With six games apiece, the Nomads were four points ahead of TNS.

Morrison’s men qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.

TNS and Bala Town finished second and third respectively to enter the Europa League.

Speaking on social media after the team’s trophy presentation photo was published, Nomads owner Dewhurst said: “Superb achievement guys – great to see the underdogs win.
“Shame you can’t celebrate fully. As compensation…
“Defend the title, I will pay for the entire squad and management team to hit Vegas next summer..all expenses paid.”

TNS took legal action after Nomads were named Cymru Premier champions in May in a curtailed season.

Saints owner Mike Harris claimed the method of deciding the title winners was unfair and against the spirit of the game.

However, Harris was unsuccessful in a High Court case against the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

Replying to Dewhurst’s pledge on social media this evening, the TNS chief said: “Only way that’s happening if you take all @tnsfc on same flight lol #realChampions”

But other responders praised the Nomads owner for his gesture.

Nomads will play FK Sarajevo of Bosnia in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League at Cardiff City Stadium this Wednesday (August 19) kick-off 7.30 pm.