Kirstie is thirsty for success with TNS

Many thanks to Sam Wood (TNS media officer) and photographer Andrew Donnison for their assistance with this article

The New Saints owner Mike Harris says the club’s women’s team will make a big push for the Adran Premier League title this season.

While TNS’ men’s side have 15 Cymru Premier League titles to their credit, as well as numerous cup successes and European appearances behind them, the women have yet to really make their mark, although they do compete at the top level in Wales.

With nine Cymru Premier champions medals won as a Saints player, Greg Draper is now aiming to weave his magic as women’s team manager at Park Hall.

Owner Harris said on social media this week the aim is to launch a major title challenge in 2023-24.

Draper has brought in some quality signings this summer, including midfield magician Kirstie Kural.

The 34-year-old joins The Saints from local rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads, having represented the Deeside-based club throughout both of their Genero Adran North campaigns.

The goal-scoring midfielder has played for Aston Park, Wrexham, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Manchester City and Northop Hall throughout a lengthy career, and also has an extensive background in futsal, competing for both Cheshire and Bolton in recent years.

For fans of Welsh football though, it’s Kural’s time with the Nomads that makes her a familiar name for supporters.

Enjoying a sensational return of 59 goals in 44 appearances at the Deeside Stadium, including 37 in 25 in the league, she captained the team to a second-place finish in the Adran North last season.

She also led the side to back-to-back NEWFA Challenge Cup successes.

“I’m really excited at the prospect of starting the season and seeing what we can achieve,” Kirsty told Grassroots North Wales.

“I would say at TNS the staff are really good and players are really welcoming. I’ll definitely miss Connah’s Quay as it was more of a family vibe than football.

“They have high standards there and that’s what I love, but I’m equally looking forward to seeing where my time with TNS takes me.”

Scoring nine hat-tricks, and racking up 19 assists over the last two years, Kural has been a driving force in the Nomads’ recent success, and on March 26th 2023 (her birthday), she made history by taking to the field in the club’s match against champions Wrexham.

The attendance of 9,511 was the biggest-ever turnout for a women’s domestic football match in Wales, eclipsing the former highest (5,175) previously set by Cardiff City in November 2022 by some distance.

Despite her team falling to a 2-1 defeat at the Racecourse, a standout performance in midfield earned huge plaudits from the global TV audience.

TNS women’s manager Draper told the club’s website: “She brings a fantastic attitude to the club, as well as an enormous amount of experience, which will be vital in helping the team progress again this season.”

Kirstie will wear the number six shirt at Park Hall.