IT'S the most wonderful time of the year for football fans - but not for Airbus UK Broughton boss Steve O'Shaughnessy!
Last season, the Wingmakers' boss said people should not judge how his side is doing until September and that's again the message as Airbus prepare for their top flight return with tonight's home encounter with Aberystwyth Town.
The competitive season opened for Airbus with last weekend's 2-1 loss to Cymru North Gresford Athletic in the Welsh League Cup.
"It was difficult because our team's not played together so far this season," admitted O'Shaughnessy.
"It's difficult for us at the moment.
"Like I said last season, don't judge us until September.
"It's okay when you keep the same players year after year.
"But when you're bringing new faces in and they go away, it's difficult.
"We haven't played once when the starting XI is together."
Looking ahead to the meeting with Aberystwyth, the Airbus boss added: "I went down there on Saturday to watch them.
"They're a fit team and he's got quite a few lads that have played in the League.
"It's going to be a tough game.
"It's going to be one of them ones, on our day we've got enough to beat them.
"We are looking forward to it and it's nice to be back in this league.
"It's nice to be at home versus Aber and it's a good draw for us.
"They could say the same thing, as it's not playing TNS away."
George Peers, Jake Phillips and Owen Payne will all be in the Airbus squad this evening.
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