A potential Europa League showdown with the likes of Glasgow Rangers, Red Star Belgrade and Maccabi Tel-Aviv awaits Connah’s Quay Nomads in Monday’s draw.

And Nomads will go into the huge first qualifying round clashes on the back of a number of re-signings and new additions - and the news that manager Andy Morrison has penned a new contract as the club starts the transition to full-time football.

Former Chester FC duo John Danby and George Horan, who were both named in the Welsh Premier League Team of the Season, have penned new one-year contracts. So, too, have Sean Smith and Declan Poole.

And yesterday Nomads confirmed the capture of their first signings of the summer.

Former Hyde United and Droylsden midfielder Andreas Bianga, 20, ex-Cefn Druids left-back Tommy Cooney, 21, and Colwyn Bay right-back Luke Denson, 26, who also had a spell at Chester, have all agreed short-term contracts after impressing in training.

John Danby has committed his future to Connah's Quay Nomads

Nomads’ squad for their opening Europa League encounter has also been bolstered by the promotion of academy trio Luke Blizzard, Conor Harwood and Joe Sullivan.

It will be the second season running that the Deeside Stadium outfit has competed in Europe after finishing a club record second in the Welsh Premier League.

Other possible first qualifying round opponents include FC Midtjylland, who famously beat Manchester United in the competition in February 2016, Dinamo Minsk, Lech Poznan, AIK Stockholm, Slovan Bratislava, Levski Sofia and Ferencváros.

Nomads could also face Vojvodina Novi Sad, the Serbian team that knocked them out of last season’s Europa League following a stunning first qualifying round success over Stabæk.

This season’s first qualifying round ties will take place on Thursday, June 29 and Thursday, July 6.

Gap Connah's Quay boss Andy Morrison following the game with FK Vojvodina
Gap Connah's Quay boss Andy Morrison has led the club into Europe for the second season running

Nomads will warm up for the ties with friendlies against fellow Europa League qualifiers Ballymena United and St Johnstone.

Morrison’s men will travel to Dixon Park, the home of Ballyclare Comrades, this Saturday to take on Ballymena, who finished fourth in the Northern Ireland Premiership last season.

Nomads will then fly home on Sunday morning before officials will travel to UEFA’s headquarters in Switzerland for Monday’s draw.

Earlier today it was confirmed that Morrison had extended his contract with Nomads until June 2020.

The club’s owner, Gary Dewhurst, said: “Since Andy took the reins at the Nomads in November 2015, the fitness and performance levels of the first team have improved dramatically.

“When you add in the resilience and belief he has instilled into the players, not to mention the detailed pre-game planning and in-game coaching, it makes a powerful combination and it is no surprise to me we’ve enjoyed the success we’ve had over the last 18 months.”

Ex-Chester FC right-back Luke Denson has signed for Connah's Quay Nomads

Nomads are aiming to go full-time over the next two seasons - starting next month.

Extensive trials and scouting are already under way as the club look to sign its initial batch of players to full-time contracts.

Dewhurst continued: “There is no time pressure on this transition. The pace of change wholly depends on how fast we can identify the right players for The Nomads; quality players who can improve the first team, fit in with the Nomads’ culture and who possess ambition to challenge TNS’ dominance of the Welsh League over the last decade.”

Morrison said: “I’m delighted to commit to the Nomads for another three years. The work we have done in the past 18 months has established the club as a major force in Welsh football.

“Do I believe the previous format would have led to us qualifying for Europe again? Yes. Do I believe we would have been able to catch TNS? No, so we have had to look at how we can close that gap and eventually meet on a level playing field.

“The transition to full time over the coming season starts on July 1 and there are no guarantees in the world of football, but what I do guarantee is an incredible work ethic, commitment, determination and desire to succeed.”