Jordan Marshall is accustomed to competing in the SPFL Trust Trophy. Having played every minute of his professional career in Scotland, the former full-back for Dundee and Queen of the South is familiar with the cup competition.
But, Marshall, 27, may have missed his chance to experience tournament triumph after losing in the semifinals twice. That was before he abruptly switched to TNS, where he is currently getting ready for Sunday’s marquee matchup versus Airdrie.
But even Marshall, who had been “let down” in the summer and had left Dundee without a club by October, was taken aback to find himself at Oswestry.
But instead of being resentful of his difficult time as a free agent—which included training alone and having to wait three months to register at TNS because of eligibility restrictions—Marshall is resolved to disprove everyone who has doubts when he returns to Scotland.
Speaking for himself, TNS, and Welsh football as a whole in the championship game at Falkirk Stadium, Marshall remarked, “We’ve probably got something to prove, like me as well.”
Many folks must have thought I was a little strange when they saw me signing at TNS.
“I think a few people let me down in the summer, but football doesn’t reward loyalty, so I ended up down here and am having fun.”
“I didn’t anticipate coming down here. There were supposed to be certain things happening, but nothing ever materialized.
“Those that I most likely felt were superior…It didn’t work out for me in the summer, but I won’t be angry about it.
“It was getting late and I basically got a message off the assistant manager and it happened quite quickly to be honest.”
Marshall, who grew up playing for Carlisle United, did have a medal for winning the Scottish Championship from his time at Dundee. He also played a part in Dundee’s 2021 play-off victory.
But the Challenge Cup trophy consistently eluded him.
As TNS attempts to become the first club from outside of Scotland to win the competition—Connah’s Quay fell to Ross County in the final—he is determined to put it right.
With regard to the opportunity to go down in history as a member of a victorious TNS team, Marshall remarked, “It would always be nice to be the first team to do something.” “We haven’t talked about it all that much, but it is undoubtedly a significant element.
“I believe that only one non-Scottish team has advanced to the final during my tenure in Scotland. With any luck, we can win and do better.
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“I won in the play-offs a few years ago then the Championship, it’s [SPFL Trust Trophy] probably the only one missing from my time in Scotland – other than the major cups.”
Marshall’s early return to Scotland is more of a homecoming than an away day; he also participated in the semi-final match versus Falkirk. He will see some familiar faces in the opposition lineup.
Marshall smiled as he headed back north, saying, “To be honest, I don’t mind it because, well, that’s all I know—I spent my entire professional career there!
“It felt a little like I was returning home when I went back up. Even simply hearing the accent again was strange.
In Scotland, the game is similar to goldfish bowl in that participants compete against one another four times a year, which fosters interpersonal relationships even in the absence of personal acquaintance.
“Going up against them will be beneficial since you know everyone in Scotland.
“I was at Queen of the South and met a couple [of Airdrie players], like [Nikolay] Todorov and Dycey [Callum Fordyce].”
“There was also Frizz [Adam Frizzell]. Both Frizz and Toddy were borrowed.
“I played with Dycey for two years, so I know him really well.
“However, I don’t think I’ve played Airdrie that often—maybe once or twice.
“I was injured when they played us in the Scottish Cup last year. They appeared to be a very strong team, and it goes without saying that they were promoted. Clearly, they’re doing something well.”
Marshall’s extensive experience in Scotland will guarantee that he is not taken aback by the standards in the championship game; nonetheless, the left-sided player was little taken aback by the levels at TNS, which he contrasted with Dens Park.
“My participation in the games and my observation from the sidelines have both been of a high caliber. “It has probably taken me a little by surprise,” the defender, who is excited to participate in Champions League qualifying next season, added.
“When I arrived, I was taken aback by the team’s caliber. It is reminiscent of my time at Dundee.
“The main draw for me was touring Europe, so I came down here with an open mind.
“We’ve won the league so in the summer we will have the first round qualifier for the Champions League which is exciting for me.”
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