LEGENDARY TNS defender and current club captain Chris Marriott will depart the club after 15 outstanding years of service. 

After joining TNS in 2009, Marriott has been a spearhead for the club in a dynasty that has seen him win 26 titles across all competitions, leaving him as the club's most decorated ever player. 

In his final season at the club, the 34-year-old led TNS to an invincible league title and the Welsh League Cup, alongside the club’s first ever appearance in the SPFL Trophy Trust final.

During his time with TNS, Marriott has lifted 12 JD Cymru Premier titles, seven JD Welsh Cups and also lifted the League Cup on seven occasions. 

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Initially joining from English pyramid side Wrexham, Marriott has been an ever present member of the club and a stalwart in the clubs progression both domestically and in European competitions, making over 500 appearances and scoring 24 goals.

Marriott has also been influential in the club’s community work, supporting many charitable causes and initiatives that have positively impacted people’s lives across the local community. 

He said: "All good things come to an end. TNS have enabled me to live my dream of playing football every day for a living, which I will be forever grateful for. 

"I have travelled to some amazing places and met some fantastic people in my 15 years at the club. I have enjoyed a lot more ups than downs and learnt valuable life lessons that will help me in the future. 

“Signing with TNS as a 19-year-old kid, now at 34, I am ready for the next chapter in my football career and also working life in the medical field of physiotherapy. 

“I played along some people I would class as lifelong friends, and I would also like to thank all the managers, coaches and backroom staff I have worked alongside during my time at the club. 

“It was an honour to captain the club, and lead the lads out in some huge European ties which I will look back on with great pride. 

“Good luck for the future to everybody at the club.” 

Chairman Mike Harris paid tribute to the club stalwart for 15 years of service.

He said: “The word legend is used far too often in the game in this day and age, but Chris Marriott encompasses the meaning of the word and has made an incredible contribution to the club during his 15 years with us.

"On the field he has been a permanent fixture in our continued success, lifting so many trophies, and being an influential figure in many moments that will go down in club history.

“But also off the field, I have always had a great respect and relationship with Chris who wore our badge with pride every time he put on the TNS shirt. His contribution to the community during his time should also be hailed, he’s been a fantastic representative for the football club.

"He leaves The New Saints with everyone’s best wishes and as a legend in the history of our club, he will always be welcome at Park Hall.”