Andy Preece is hoping the returning Wayne Riley will give Airbus the firepower they need to secure Europa League qualification for the third successive season.
The goalscoring midfielder left Chester FC by mutual consent last week and quickly linked up again with Preece, who signed him from former employers Northwich in summer 2012.
Riley scored 14 goals in his debut season for the Wingmakers before switching to Conference North club Hednesford Town. He moved to Chester in June, but found his first-time chances with the Blues limited.
Director of football Preece said: “Wayne just wants to play football and we’re delighted to be able to give him that opportunity again.”
Airbus have struggled to score goals this season, and Preece reckons Riley is just what his side needs as they chase second place in the league and Welsh Cup glory.
He added: “He was our top scorer and was in the league’s team of the year – he’s a quality player. We’re over the moon to have him back.”
Riley is expected to start at Rhyl in Sunday’s televised game (1pm), the Wingmakers’ final match before the mid-season split. Ryan Wignall returns from suspension, but fellow winger Ryan Wade – who could leave this month – is expected to miss out through injury.
Airbus will be hoping their luck will change after once again being left to bemoan a series of controversial calls in the 1-1 home draw with Aberystwyth on Friday night.
Not for the first time this season, several major decisions went against the Wingmakers, and Preece was predictably unimpressed.
“When it’s out of your hands there’s nothing you can do. We totally dominated the game so it’s hard to take, but it’s happening far too often,” he said.
Andy Jones tapped the Wingmakers into a 21st minute lead after Glenn Rule’s shot found him unmarked at the back post, but the Seasiders equalised before the break through a fine Mark Jones strike from the edge of the 18-yard box.
The Wingmakers thought two second-half efforts had crossed the line, and referee Kevin Parry also ignored claims for a spot-kick when Chris Budrys appeared to be fouled from behind over when through on goal.
Preece said: “Far too many big decisions are going against. We don’t get them. TNS get them – I don’t know why. We can’t get these points back, and they’re big points.”
