Welsh domestic football advocate Andrew Ruscoe has praised The TNS Road to Europe: The Mike Harris Story, calling it an inspiring and powerful documentary and advert for the grass-roots game.
Now available on Prime Video, the documentary charts the rise of The New Saints Football Club, from their early days in Llansantffraid to becoming one of the most successful sides in Welsh football. It follows their journey through domestic dominance and European competition, while also capturing the ambition and risk behind that success.
The Human Side of Football
The film does not shy away from wider issues. It includes the experiences of former Chelsea player Jimmy Aggrey, who speaks openly about racial abuse, alongside stories of hooliganism, humour and the human side of football. TNS CEO Ian Williams, who has been involved since the club’s early days, also features prominently.
For Ruscoe, the documentary goes beyond football. With more than 25 years in the game as a player and manager, he said it has had a real impact on him and those around FC City of Wrexham.
Ruscoe said, “Since watching it, it has genuinely inspired us at FC City of Wrexham. It shows that anything is possible if you keep being persistent and consistent. What Mike Harris has done with The New Saints is incredible, and this documentary is a brilliant advert for Welsh domestic football.
“It touches on very serious issues, but it also captures the belief, the humour, the heart and the journey. That’s what makes it so special. It’s not just a football documentary — it’s a story about vision, bravery, resilience and what can happen when someone dares to dream big.”
He also pointed to the wider impact documentaries can have, highlighting the success of Welcome to Wrexham.
The Rob and Ryan Miracle
“What has happened to Wrexham AFC thanks to Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds is literally a miracle,” he said. “It has raised the profile of the club and the town massively, and it has shown what a documentary can do for volunteers, supporters and local communities. But within our own borders, we also have a thriving Welsh domestic game which deserves that same level of exposure.
“We need more people to see what is happening in the Welsh game, because that kind of attention can attract investors, sponsors and funding into our domestic league. That is how we become more professional, more competitive, and help more clubs succeed on the European stage. The TNS Road to Europe: The Mike Harris Story does exactly that.”
Ruscoe even joked about future interest in the domestic game.
“Hopefully, more documentaries come out and attract even more global interest. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll have the likes of Russell Crowe or Hugh Jackman taking an interest in Welsh domestic football too.”
FC City of Wrexham Futsal
Harris has also supported grassroots football in Wrexham, including FC City of Wrexham Futsal. That contribution inspired Ruscoe to arrange a tribute, securing advertising space for the documentary outside the Racecourse Ground ahead of last weekend’s match.
Ruscoe said Harris’ story should resonate across the Welsh football pyramid.
“People see success at the top, but behind that success is belief, sacrifice and someone willing to invest in people and possibilities,” he said. “Mike Harris has done that for TNS, and he has also supported clubs and players closer to home in Wrexham.” He rated the documentary 10 out of 10, describing it as essential viewing and a reminder that Welsh domestic football has stories worth telling and a future worth backing.
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