13-06-2025
Airbus keen to go one step better in big Cymru North season
The Wingmakers finished just three points adrift of Colwyn Bay in the chase for the top honour and with an expanded three clubs in line for promotion this time around, another runners-up finish will ensure Airbus make a return to the Cymru Premier League.
While a clutch of players have agreed to remain with the club, Airbus have announced the acquisition of Mason Blackwell-Jones.
The 23-year-old joins from Bangor 1876, who were dramatically relegated by Ruthin Town in the closing minutes of last season.
Blackwell-Jones had spells at Manchester City, Wrexham and Stoke City Academies, before joining Rhyl, where he made his debut in senior football at the age of 17.
Since then, he has had spells at Prestatyn Town, Llandudno and Bangor.
He told the club's website: 'The attraction comes from the way they play, how professional they are on and off the field.
'At the end of the day, they want to win trophies and be successful and that's the main reason that has brought me here today.'
Team boss Allen, who led Airbus to three cups during a successful end to last season, added: 'Mason has been someone we have been tracking for a while, and he will bring attacking flair to us and high energy.'
Centre back Sam Ricketts will remain with the Wingmakers for a third season and he said: 'Buzzing to be staying on at Airbus FC next season. Had a great year with the boys and can't wait to kick on again."
Also committing themselves for what is sure to be a big season are Oli Lanceley, Tyler McManus, James Davies and Kieran Evans.
Lanceley, one of the club's Academy products, said: 'I'm really happy to have signed on again next season. It's a great club that I'm proud to be a part of.
'Our main objective will be to secure promotion to the Welsh Prem and I believe we can make it happen.'
McManus is another player to come through the club's hugely successful Academy and he said: 'Extremely happy to have agreed another contract with Skip and the club. I think this will be my 11th season with Airbus now, and I'm just excited to get going.
'Being here for so long has meant Airbus is my second home, and the family I have around the club is too good to leave.
'I will be trying for a much better season on a personal note as I know last season was below my standards in terms of assists especially.
'However, for the team, it's about winning even more than last year, and it's something myself and the team know we can do.'
Davies had his best campaign in front of goal last season with 17 goals in all competitions and Evans, set for his third season at the club, said: 'Happy to get another year sorted with Airbus. I didn't have any thoughts of going anywhere else so I'm happy Skip and Chappers both wanted me to stay also.
'I'm looking forward to this season and I think we'll be up there challenging for the league and the cups again as we did last year, just hoping we can go one better and believe we can with the squad we have!'
Goalkeeper Keighan Jones will again be taking his place between the sticks when the new season gets underway.
Former Holywell number one Jones said: 'It was an easy decision to stay. Airbus is a great club, has great coaching staff and people behind the scenes.
'We had a great season last year, so hopefully we can repeat what we have done and go one better in the league.'
Joe Palmer, George Peers and vice-captain Jordan Evans are also remaining on board.
