The Hollingsworth Group Stadium – home of Airbus UK Broughton FC. (A Lincoln)
Airbus UK manager Steve O’Shaughnessy is counting on his and his players’ experience to help the club in what is their first season back in the top flight since the 2016/17 campaign.
The Wingmakers won the 2018/19 Cymru Alliance in convincing fashion, finishing 18 points clear of second-placed Flint Town United; averaging exactly two and a half goals per game.
The club have been active in the transfer window, bringing in five players so far as they look to bolster their options before the season gets underway this Friday.
Jordan Evans, Andy Owens, George Hughes, Alex Darlington and Jake Phillips have all arrived at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium, as O’Shaughnessy explains what they will offer.
Airbus take on Holywell in last season’s Cymru Alliance. (Lee Douglas)
“We’ve brought in five new players, some have previously played in the league, while a couple haven’t.
“Their experience will be valuable, and they will be able to help the members of the squad who haven’t played in the top flight before.”
The 2015/16 Welsh Cup runners-up kick off their campaign at home to north Walian rivals Bala Town on Friday evening.
In recent years, the league has had examples of newly-promoted sides more than holding their own, with others struggling to make the adaptation to the step up in quality.
Airbus vs. Holywell Town in the 2018/19 Cymru Alliance. (Lee Douglas)
Caernarfon Town took the league by storm in their debut season in 2018/19, securing a fourth place finish, while fellow promoted side Llanelli Town had a season to forget; finishing rock bottom on 16 points.
O’Shaughnessy points towards this fact, while laying out his targets for the season.
“Last season Caernarfon had a fantastic campaign, but then Llanelli struggled.
“Our aim is to stay up, simple as that.
“We’ll hopefully then look to establish ourselves and try to improve year on year.
“We are one of the favourites to go down, so we are under no illusion it is going to be tough.
Formerly the manager of Oswestry Town, Cefn Druids, Caernarfon Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads, the 51-year-old is well-accustomed to Wales’ top flight league, and can’t wait for another season amongst the best.
Airbus host Holywell in the Cymru Alliance. (Lee Douglas)
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge in this league.
“I’ve managed four clubs previously in the league, and it gets stronger every season.”
The club’s impressive performances last season, as well as their shrewd signings in the transfer market have lead to some followers of the league tipping them to survive relegation, and even threaten the top six.
The former Rochdale, Darlington and Stalybridge Celtic player, however, is well aware of the swings and roundabouts that clubs can experience, particularly with a relatively young squad.
“I know from previous years there will be up and downs for us.
“We will be the youngest squad with an average age of 23.
“The whole club is looking forward to it.”
(Featured image: A Lincoln)
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