The New Saints are delighted to announce the signing of defender Jack Bodenham, as the club continues to bolster its squad for the upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign.
Bodenham, who will be familiar to TNS fans after his loan spell at the club in the 2018/19 season, rejoins the club on a permanent basis after leaving Blyth Spartans.
The 6ft 2 centre back made 45 appearances for Blyth Spartans last season. Bodenham has also featured for Hereford and South Shields, as well as making 13 appearances during his previous spell with TNS.
A product of the Cardiff City Academy, the 24-year-old makes Park Hall his permanent home and will hope to make an immediate impact with the team returning to pre-season training last week to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The 24-year-old will add additional strength to Craig Harrison’s defence who boasted the meanest backline in the JD Cymru Premier last season, conceding just 18 goals on their way to an invincible campaign and a 16th league title.
Bodenham could make his second debut in July when TNS once again fly the flag in the UEFA Champions League, with the club set to find out their First Qualifying Round opponents when the draw is made on the 18th June.
Speaking on joining the club, Bodenham said:
“I am really pleased to be back at TNS ahead of the new season. I enjoyed my time with the club last time and Park Hall is a great place to be. The club has a winning mentality and breeds success, so I am looking forward to kicking on in pre-season and being ready for the upcoming European campaign.
“I hope to be able to help build on the incredible season last year and continue to bring trophies home for the fans.”
The New Saints Head Coach, Craig Harrison, said:
“I watched Jack for a while last season and spoke to him a couple of times. He’s obviously a very good footballer and he’s had a lot of good experience, both at Cardiff City as a professional for a few years, but also within our league as well.
“Unfortunately we lost Ryan Astles for quite a few months with a cruciate injury last season but we never really replaced him, so we ended the season with just one fit central defender for the final three league games and the JD Welsh Cup final.
“We all know Jack’s quality on the ball – he played 45 out of the 46 games in the National League North last year so he’s got a robustness about him. He’s also got experience, he’s of a good age, and I think he’ll bring more balance into our back four.
“Having been here previously he knows the football club and the people at the football club and he suits the way we play. He’s a very technical player who’s good on the ball, so he’s going to add a lot to our squad.”
The New Saints Chairman, Mike Harris, said:
“Jack joining the club provides yet more strength for our squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League campaign, having as much depth in all positions will be pivotal for Craig and his staff particularly in the early rounds of the competition.
“Jack’s got good pedigree in the game after coming through Cardiff City’s academy, we thoroughly enjoyed having him on loan a few years ago and I’m delighted to have him back as a TNS player for the exciting season ahead.”
Jack Bodenham is available to sponsor for the upcoming season, don’t miss out and contact Commercial Manager, Simon O’Reilly, at simon.oreilly@tnsfc.co.uk to secure your sponsorship.
