You are an integral part of the TNS side that has become the first Welsh side to qualify for the UEFA Conference League. What are your memories from the qualification campaign?
“Those experiences were remarkable in their own right. Traveling across Europe exposed us to diverse cultures and unique challenges, such as playing in sweltering 40-degree heat in Montenegro. Despite the challenges, it was an incredible journey.
“On the football front, we made significant progress. Securing our first Champions League win 3-0 at home against Dečić was a notable achievement, as was drawing 1-1 away to secure a 4-1 win on aggregate.
“Then, facing Ferencváros, the Hungarian champions, in front of 20,000 fans was an unforgettable experience.
“However, our campaign wasn’t without its setbacks. The defeat to Petrocub of Moldova was a tough blow, especially since it felt like a missed opportunity to progress further in Europa League qualifying campaign. But we bounced back with a strong performance against the Lithuanian side Panevėžys in the Conference League Playoff round, winning 3-0 away and holding them to a goalless draw at home.
“Overall, the feeling of being part of the first Welsh side to achieve league phase qualification for a UEFA competition is an amazing moment that I’ll always cherish, and I am sure everyone associated with TNS will too.”
TNS have been drawn against European giants such as Fiorentina and Panathinaikos in the Conference League. What does it mean to you and your team to earn the opportunity to compete against such prestigious opponents?
“As you mentioned, it’s a tremendous reward for both the club and the players. After the season we had, where we felt we fell short of winning all four cups, reaching this stage was a significant achievement. It’s been a long-term goal for the club to break through and reach this level.
“Being drawn against teams like Panathinaikos and Fiorentina is truly extraordinary. These are the kinds of matches players dream of—competing in such prestigious fixtures and playing in iconic stadiums. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s an incredible opportunity for us and everyone associated with TNS, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication that got us here.
“For me, the goal has always been to challenge myself. I understand that some might view moving clubs as a step down, but my focus is on playing regularly. I’ve featured in all eight qualifiers, playing every minute, which has provided invaluable experience beyond Wales.
“Having played in League One and both Irish leagues, and with some European experience from clubs in Ireland, this is a new level of competition for me. Facing top players and teams in the league phase of European competition is a chance to measure myself against the best. Performing well could attract attention and put us on the map. TNS deserves recognition, and this stage offers a significant opportunity for the Welsh domestic league to gain more attention too.”
You’ve had an exceptional time domestically at The New Saints since joining in 2022 achieving numerous trophies and being part of some impressive unbeaten runs. How would you reflect on your time at the club so far?
“Yeah, it’s obviously been a successful period for me, and it’s where I’ve won my first senior medals. Four trophies in two years isn’t too bad for a first-time experience of winning anything. I’ve really loved it. I initially signed as a winger, but I’ve been playing full-back for two full seasons now, which has been a challenge in terms of adapting to new roles.
“However, I think I’ve settled in well. As you mentioned, the undefeated run and all that brings a new kind of pressure, which has been exciting. It’s something I hadn’t experienced before in my career.”
When most people think of Welsh football, they tend to focus on Cardiff and Swansea who play in the English league system.
However, there are strong teams within the Welsh League such The New Saints, Connah’s Quay, and Bala Town in the Welsh league. How would you describe the level of competition?
“Yeah, it’s good. I’ve played in both Irish leagues – the League of Ireland and the Northern Irish Premiership – and I think, at the moment, the Welsh Premiership is quite on par. I’m fairly used to it because of the similarities between Welsh football and the Northern Irish Premiership. A lot of teams are part-time, but some are full-time, and they’re adapting to that. Many teams are making it into Europe and doing well, too.
“Obviously, I played at Shrewsbury before, so moving here was different. Some people might think I’ve dropped down a level, but for me, it’s been about playing more football and enjoying it again, just like I did when I left Derry City to join Glenavon. Going to TNS was a no-brainer, especially since I’m still living in Shrewsbury. It was a family decision, alongside getting back to playing regularly and winning trophies.
“I also feel the Welsh league is often overlooked in terms of the talent it has. There are a lot of good young players coming through, and the clubs’ benefit from good loan players from the likes of Swansea and Cardiff. I think the league is only going to improve from here. With more backing and increased funds coming into the league and the clubs, it’s exciting to be part of its growth.”
Your manager at the club is Craig Harrison who is now in his second spell in charge of the club. He had a successful first spell in charge, but he has arguably been more successful in his second spell so far.
What is he like to work with?
“He is great. Trust and respect, that’s the key. We bought into things with him right away. There are players here who have worked with him before, so they know his style and what he expects. It’s great to have a manager who’s open, honest, and clear about his standards. He gives us respect and trusts us to help uphold those standards, knowing we have a lot of experienced pros who are ambitious and driven to succeed.
“The relationship between the players, the manager, and the staff is really strong. We’ve won two trophies last season, but we had the potential to win all four, and I think many of the lads are still feeling the sting of that missed opportunity. It motivates us to do even better this season.”
Looking back on your six or seven years of senior football in Ireland, playing for clubs like Derry City and Glenavon, how do you reflect on that period of your career? What impact did it have on your development as a player?
“I absolutely loved it. I came through the youth system at Derry City, and being from the town, it meant a lot to represent them at the senior level. I spent about five years in the senior set-up, but by the time I was 20 or 21, I wasn’t playing as much as I needed to for my development. That’s when it became clear I needed regular football to progress.
“Derry gave me so much, introducing me to full-time football and helping launch my career. Moving to Glenavon, which was part-time, was a different experience, but I went there with the goal of playing every week. I knew that by getting consistent game time, I could showcase my abilities, and fortunately, that worked out. With the full-time experience I gained from Derry, I was able to stay professional and make the most of my time at Glenavon, which eventually led to new opportunities in England and now Wales.”
During your time at Glenavon, you played under Gary Hamilton, who had a remarkable tenure of over a decade at the club, which he also supports. What was your experience working with him?
“The main reason I signed for Glenavon was because of Gary Hamilton. We played them in a pre-season game after a short summer break at Derry, and Gary took a liking to me immediately. He kept an eye on me throughout the season, constantly pushing Derry to let me go on loan, though they didn’t at the time. However, the following season, he persisted, and I eventually made the move.
“True to his word, Gary gave me the opportunity to play regularly. He’s a very straightforward manager—open, honest, and doesn’t overcomplicate things. That year, we finished third with our highest-ever points tally, narrowly missing out on Europe. Gary did an incredible job with the resources he had, developing players who went on to bigger clubs and careers across the water, which is a testament to both him and the chairman.
“For me, Glenavon was where I rediscovered my love for the game. It was the first time I became a regular starter in a senior squad, and that experience will always hold a special place in my heart. It wasn’t easy at first—I could’ve moved to a club closer to home, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and join a club where I was truly wanted. That’s what every player seeks: an open, honest manager who believes in them. Gary gave me that, and it’s probably why I played some of my best football at Glenavon.”
You joined Shrewsbury in 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to life as we know it. How did those challenging circumstances impact your time there as a player?
“I joined Shrewsbury in the summer of 2020, a time when football was just starting to resume after the initial pandemic disruptions. The move came as a surprise to me—I was actually close to joining either Glentoran or Larne and had met with both clubs. My intention was to return to full-time football, and I made that clear. While I was in Belfast meeting with Larne and Glentoran, I received a call from Gary Hamilton informing me that Shrewsbury had secured my transfer. It was an exciting opportunity.
“Initially, I was brought in by Sam Ricketts as a left winger. However, Ricketts was dismissed a few months later, which made my time at the club challenging. It was a steep learning curve with a lot of uncertainty. I didn’t play as regularly as I would have liked and ended up playing in several positions I had never played before.
“While the experience didn’t unfold as I had hoped in terms of regular play and enjoyment, it was invaluable for building resilience and adapting to different systems, managers, and roles. It’s one of those experiences where, despite the difficulties, I can look back and know that I gave it my all. The sudden change in management and the harsh realities of football were tough, but I have fond memories of the club and the fans. Shrewsbury will always hold a special place for me, and I’ll look back on my time there with a sense of pride.”
Finally, Josh, who would you pick out as the toughest opponents from your career so far?
“Picking my toughest opponents is an easy one.
“Firstly, playing against Liverpool in the FA Cup, at Shrewsbury where I faced Virgil van Dijk, and going up against Erling Haaland during his time at Molde while I was at Glenavon.
“Both of them are world class footballers and it was great to play against them.”
Featured images: TNS FC
Callum McFadden 