The New Saints capitulated at home to Rijeka to crash out of the Champions League second qualifying round whilst reports have emerged linking Scott Quigley with a move to Peterborough United.
Rijeka made light work of the Saints after closely contested first period to ease to a 5-1 second leg victory, comfortably progressing 7-1 on aggregate.
Adrian Cieslewicz’s 69th-minute reply was a mere consolation goal for the Saints, as Rijeka advance to likely face Red Bull Salzburg in the third qualifying round.
Off the field, speculation links marksman Scott Quigley with a move into the Football League whilst the future of interim-manager Scott Ruscoe also remains unclear.
Rijeka gained the lead shortly before half-time after a well worked goal saw Florin Matei start and finish a move, playing a one-two with Heber before firing low into the corner.
The Saints were lookng to gain a foothold in the tie after a disciplined first leg display.
And it was a relatively steady first-half for the Saints, who had a penalty appeal rejected in favour of an indirect free-kick inside the area.
But the Croatian side – who reportedly have a vastly superior €10 million annual playing budget – went through the gears with a clinical second-half display, netting a further four goals, to bring The New Saints European campaign to a disappointing end.
Scott Quigley has been one of the Saints’ stand-out performers during their latest European run, scoring three goals.
Quigley’s rising stock has lead to increased interest and Peterborough United appear a likely destination for the 25-year-old.
The Posh are actively looking to recruit a striker and Quigley was reportedly in attendance for their pre-season game against QPR on Saturday.
Any possible move would be dependant on Peterborough agreeing a transfer fee with The New Saints as Quigley is under contract but the Saints are not expected to stand in the player’s way should their valuation be met.
The future of interim-manager Scott Ruscoe also remains unclear with The New Saints facing an UEFA licencing deadline to appoint Craig Harrison’s successor this month.
Speaking to TNS TV after the game, Ruscoe remains keen to get the post on a permanent basis.
“I’d like to be given the opportunity – obviously 5-1 is not great show to go promote myself as manager. I believe in players they believe in me and I know I couldn’t have prepared any better. We did everything right in our preparation,” he said.
“I thought the lads were fantastic for 42-minutes but the goal took the wind out of our sails and needing to score four goals everything became that little bit harder.
“I know the players inside out, I’ve been here for 15 years. I know that the spirit and comradery that we’ve got here will always pulls us through. I’m disappointed tonight and have to reflect and watch the game and goals back. We’ll have tomorrow off but we’ll be back in Thursday and back to it.”
