O’Shaughnessy ready for Deeside return as Airbus take on Nomads
Airbus manager Steve O’ Shaughnessy will be in familiar surroundings on Tuesday evening when he takes charge of his side in the Nathaniel MG Cup second round.
He will be at Deeside, home of Connah’s Quay Nomads, who he took charge of for one season in 2008/09.
In that campaign, the Nomads finished ninth with the club a shadow of its current state, as they sit top of the JD Welsh Premier League with ex-Airbus coach Andy Morrison looking to guide them to a fourth consecutive European qualification.
In the past 10 years, Airbus and Nomads’ fortunes have somewhat switched, with Nomads occupying the top end of the table whilst Airbus play in the second tier Huws Gray Alliance.
But after a tough first year in the Huws Gray, Airbus look on the up once again, as they come into tonight’s derby game with a 100% record in the league.
Speaking to Y Clwb Pel Droed, O’Shaughnessy credits Andy Morrison with Nomads’ recent successes.
“The club have progressed massively since Andy Morrison has come in and improve every season. We are under no illusions it is going to be very difficult for us they are currently top of the JD Welsh Premier League and a league above us, so getting through to the next round will be a difficult task.
“Andy has done a good job at both Airbus and Quay, he is very enthusiastic and very professional in his approach and expect it from his players.”
Despite a big challenge facing Airbus, O’ Shaughnessy says whatever happens in the cup, the league is his priority.
“If we do beat Quay on Tuesday and it is a big if – our priority is the league.”
Airbus were stalwarts of the JD Welsh Premier League for the best part of the past decade, with the duo of Andy Preece and Andy Morrison securing three consecutive Europa League campaigns and a JD Welsh Cup runners up place in 2016.
The Wingmakers’ boss makes it clear where he expects the club to be ahead of their test against top of the pyramid Connah’s Quay tonight.
“We need to get Airbus back in the Welsh Prem where they belong – we have started well but we know there is a long way to go yet.”
Airbus take on Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Nathaniel MG Cup tonight for a 7:45pm kick off.
Featured Image: NCM Media
