‘They drank enough beer to sink the Armada’… Mike Harris reveals the two wildest fanbases The New Saints have come up against in Europe

EXCLUSIVE: Mike Harris has enjoyed many a wild night in Europe, with the fanbases of two Irish sides standing out from the pack.

Throughout his time as the chairman of his beloved club, the Welshman has won the hearts of fans from far and wide with his palpable charisma and love for the sport.

Having dominated the Cymru Premier for decades, Harris has made many spectacular memories that will live with him for a very long time to come.

Mike Harris recalls crazy nights playing Bohemians and Cliftonville

On July 30, the New Saints hosted Estonian side, Flora Tallinn, in a UEFA Conference League second qualifying round fixture. After losing 1-0 in the first leg, the underdogs battled hard in the return affair, scoring in stoppage time to send their supporters into raptures.

While Mike Harris was rendered devastated when his team eventually lost on penalties, the game added yet another chapter to his remarkable story.

The chairman has had the sensational experience of watching The New Saints play in many a crunch clash on the continent, including against Fiorentina.

However, there are two teams in particular, which had fanbases Harris loved bringing to Park Hall Stadium more than any others.

In an exclusive interview with Sporf, the entrepreneur explained: “I think the Irish are the best, and there are two games that stand out in my mind. The first one would have to be Bohemians, and we lost 1-0 in Dublin. Then, they came over here, and all their players were falling out about their bonuses for going through to play Anderlecht in the next round. It was raining, we had a thunderstorm here, and we were 3-0 up after 12 minutes, and we ended up winning 4-0. It was one of the best nights for experiences because they were so passionate that they’d already booked their tickets for the following week. I had a little wry smile because they were really angry.

“The following year, we played Cliftonville from Belfast — what amazing characters they were. I invited them all here in the afternoon. The year before, they were quite lively and went up town and had some beers. I said, ‘Come on in’. I met their chairman with a big flag and a beer and said, ‘Hey guys, the first round is on the club’.

“Three or four buses rolled up, and there were 200 of them in our bar. I said, ‘There you go, enjoy’. I’ll tell you what, every single person was perfectly behaved, and they drank enough beer to sink the Armada. But not one glass was broken, and there were no incidents—they were just lovely people. Since then, we must have played each other probably about four times; at least two of those games were competitive, and we had a wonderful time. Those friendships, when we go there we’re welcome, and when they come here they’re welcome, and that is what football is all about.”

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Mike Harris is excited about The New Saints Foundation and its women’s team

At The New Saints, Harris is constantly trying to give back, with the 63-year-old passionate about his club’s foundation and its women’s team.

He enthused: “Our foundation is two weeks into their six-week provision of free holiday activities across north west Shropshire. They provide a free healthy meal too.

“With the women’s team, they’re now into their sixth season in the Genero Adran Premier with an aim to win the league by 2030. We launched an U13s Girls Academy side last summer, added U15s this year and then U17s will be following next summer too.”

The chairman has recently starred in an entertaining documentary, capturing his side’s remarkable journey. Fans can watch The New Saints – Road To Europe The Mike Harris Story, on several platforms.

Apple TV to rent or buy.

Amazon Prime Video to rent or buy.

YouTube free to watch.

Featured Image Credit: FAW