CRAIG Harrison has changed his allegiance ahead of a huge Welsh League Cup tie this weekend.

Earlier this week, Harrison was plotting Connah's Quay Nomads' tactics for the second round clash against The New Saints.

However, Harrison has now been installed as the new head coach of the Saints following last week's sacking of Anthony Limbrick.

Taking the hotseat at the Deeside Stadium is Neil Gibson, who guided Flint Town United to a top-six Cymru Premier League finish last season.

Harrison is no stranger to Park Hall and he is the most successful manager in the history of The New Saints.

Under the leadership of Harrison, the Saints won six successive Welsh Premier League titles, captured four Welsh Cups and bagged the League Cup on three occasions.

On the return of Harrison, chairman Mike Harris told the Saints' website: “Craig is our most successful manager, not just with results and trophies but in his style of football too, which is appealing to our fans.”

Meanwhile, new first team boss Gibson is no stranger to the Nomads.

He spent a year at the Deeside Stadium as assistant to Andy Morrison in the 2018/19 campaign, helping the Nomads to finish second in the league and reach the finals of both the Welsh Cup and Irn Bru Cup.

Nomads' director of football Dave Norman told the club's website: "It's been a whirlwind 24 hours, where we've had to both deal with the exit of Craig, who was under contract with a buy out clause, whilst at the same time fast tracking an appointment ahead of the upcoming season, which if anyone needs reminding, starts in 10 days time!

"We are so fortunate to have secured such a high calibre appointment at short notice, someone vastly experienced in the league and at the same time familiar with the club and the players, after his stint here in 2019.

"With the recent announcement of new investment, the club remains highly ambitious and we look forward to the challenge of securing European football in 2023."

Club Co-owners, Gary Dewhurst and Darren Pritchard added: "Craig has been with us since 2018, firstly as assistant to Andy Morrison and then as first team head coach since September 2021.

"During this time, the club has secured two JD Cymru titles and two Nathaniel MG Cups and Craig has played an integral part in this success.

"He's a class act on and off the pitch and on behalf of all at the club, we wish him well."