Sky's the Limit for Airbus UK

Premier-Bound?
By Webmaster / rheolwr y wefan
October 15 2003

Think of a successful Welsh 'factory' club and the name TNS immediately springs to mind. But, Broughton based Airbus UK are sitting proudly on top of the Cymru Alliance, and manager Rob Lythe believes his club have what it takes to compete at the top level in Wales.

Formed in 1946, the club which has had names ranging from 'de Havilands' to 'Hawker Siddeley' are now firmly established as Airbus UK and plays its football in the Huws-Gray Fitlock Cymru Alliance ,second Tier of the Welsh football pyramid.

The 'Planemakers', who have competed in both the English and Welsh pyramids since their inception, are now on the brink of competing at the top tier of Welsh Premier. Off the field, the club are busy developing their ground to meet Welsh Premier league criteria with a new stand having just been built with proposed changing rooms just behind still in the building phase.The pitch has been enclosed but as yet has only one side of the ground with hard standing.

So, although the club has much work to do on and off the pitch in order to achieve their dream of Premier football, manager Rob Lythe believes his talented side are capable of making the step up to the Welsh Premier League. Rob kindly agreed to answer me some questions about the club, his career and future ambitions

Why do you think Airbus have started off so brightly and raced to top spot in the Cymru Alliance this season?
Last season we fininished 5th after an indifferent start. Our form after Christmas was much more consistant and I recieved the manager of the month award for April after a run of great wins including being the first team to beat Porthmadog. This season we have added 1 or 2 quality players to the team and started from where we left off last season.

Do you believe you have what it takes to remain there?
Only time will tell, but confidence is high , team spirit is exceptional and we are top of the table on merit. So fingers crossed ,our team have proved to be the best footballing in the league side so far. But come winter time our style of play may be questioned.

If you do win the league, will the club be applying for Welsh Premier league membership next season?
Yes, I have a meeting tomorrow to see if the company are to support our plans for ground improvements

What does the club need to do to meet Welsh Premier standards, and are the club confident you will meet them in time?
Our gound falls well short at the moment of reaching the citeria. Floodlights, more seating, new changing facilies, more hardstanding area and we need to install turnstiles.

If the company agree to do the work , but it is not ready for the end of the season we will hope to groundshare.

Do you believe a factory side can support a club in the top tier of Welsh football without the backing of a wealthy chairman?
The company and Sports Club have been very supportive of the football section. Although, the level of support is nothing like TNS. We would hope to survive on a slightly increased budget and continue to build slowly.

Who have been the key men so far this season, and who should we watch out for if you are to join us next season?
Our Team is drawn from young local talent, mostly Chester area. We would need a bit more experience next season if the promotion happens. Our outstanding player has been Steve Hughes , brother of Connahs Quay Nomads' Andy Hughes. James Macintosh is our most prominent Forward and is one to watch.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Last seasons NEWFA Cup Final at the Racecourse. Although we lost on pens to Buckley, our young team performed brilliantly and won many tributes for there style of play.

What are your managerial ambitions?
To take Airbus to the Welsh Premier and compete at the highest level. Complete my coaching badges and keep producing quality young sides.

How much longer do you intend to play for?
I tore my cruciate ligament for the second time the season before last and I have not played a competitive game since. I enjoy my new role, and can not see a return to playing whilst we have so many good young players.

How strong would you say the Cymru Alliance is this season?
It is a very competitive league with very few easy games, but overall the standard of football is moderate.

How big do you believe the gap is between the Cymru Alliance and Welsh Premier, and what can be done to bridge it?
Caernarfon, Welshpool and Porthmadog have been promoted lately and survived so it is possible. But the gap is fairly large and any team would have to improve in strength and fitness to have any chance.

Finally, who do you consider to be your main challengers for the title?
Glantraeth , Buckley , Llandudno and Ruthin in that order.

Many thanks Rob, and we wish yourself and Airbus the very best for the future.