THE New Saints have parted company with eight players – including club all-time top scorer Greg Draper.

Draper is joined by Jamie Mullan, Simon Spender, Ryan Harrington, Kwame Boateng and Adam Hughes, David Lyon and goalkeeper Robbie Williams in not being offered new playing contracts

Mullan has joined JD Cymru Premier champions Connah’s Quay Nomads while veterans Draper and Spender will also be targeted by clubs in the league with the trio having more than 700 top flight appearances under their belts.

The trio also played their part in a period of Welsh football dominance the Oswestry club enjoyed but has since been firmly challenged by the Nomads following their second successive league title.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Jamie Mullan, Simon Spender and Greg Draper for their invaluable contribution made towards the success of the club over the past 10 seasons,” said Chief Operating Officer, Ian Williams.

“I personally wish Jamie the very best as he continues his football journey, and welcome back Simon and Greg who will both be taking on full-time coaching roles at the club.”

“Simon will be working behind the scenes as the club’s assistant head of performance, as well as part-time with the first-team, continuing the excellent work he was previously doing on a part-time basis with our young scholars at the club.

“Meanwhile Greg Draper takes on a new role within the club and our Foundation as an elite football coach and football ambassador.”

Coach Anthony Limbrick, who replaced the long-serving Scott Ruscoe mid-season, will now be tasked with strengthening the squad ahead of the club’s debut in the Europa League Conference and attempting to wrestle the JD Cymru Premier title back from Connah’s Quay Nomads.