Europa League qualifiers Airbus UK Broughton have beaten a host of English clubs to pull off a coup and sign former Chester FC striker Tony Gray.

The 31-year-old has an impressive scoring record in the top two tiers of non-league, and turned down several offers to sign for Andy Preece’s men.

Gap Connah’s Quay were also in for Gray, who left AFC Telford United after their relegation from the Conference National, but the Liverpudlian said he was delighted to sign for the Wingmakers despite bigger money offers from elsewhere.

“I’m made up. I had a few options, but weighing them all up Airbus was the best for me,” Gray told The Chronicle after the deal was confirmed on Tuesday night.

“I had a decent season and scored a few, so I thought there’d be interest, but Airbus showed the most interest and they wanted me the most.”

Gray swept the board at the Bucks’ end-of-season awards night after bagging 20 goals, and will now rejoin ex-Chester teammates Ashley Williams and Matty McGinn.

He said: "I know Tom Field as well and Andy seems like a good fella. He said he’s been following me for a while, which is nice to hear. I’m looking forward to getting going and I can’t wait for Europe.

"Every striker wants to hit the ground running and score goals. I don’t set myself targets - I’ll just score as many as I can."

Gray made his mark at Southport and Droylsden before signing for the Blues, and long-term admirer Preece is delighted to finally get his man.

The director of football said: "I’m really pleased to have signed someone of the calibre of Tony Gray at this stage in his career, his scoring record speaks for itself. He is still at his peak with some of his best years ahead of him.

"I have come up against him many times but this is the first chance I have had to sign him. He has been scoring goals regularly in a struggling side in the Conference and is still at the peak of his career with some of his best years ahead of him.

"We needed someone to take the weight off Chris Budrys, Andy Jones and Ricky Evans, none of whom are prolific goalscorers.

"We need more goals and, with Wayne Riley coming back to full match fitness, Tom Field and Matty McGinn also in good scoring form, Tony normally gets around the 20-mark.

"It’s difficult to entice players into the Welsh Premier League but we’ve managed to get Tony and I’m so pleased to have signed him at this stage in his career."

Airbus, who will receive €200,000 for qualifying for the Europa League, could face West Ham in the first qualifying round on June 22 after it the Londoners earned a place by topping the Premier League’s fair play table.

Meanwhile, McGinn, top scorer Field and Andy Jones have signed new deals for next season, but Ryan Wade and Lewis Short have moved on. Winger Wade has joined Stalybridge Celtic, while midfielder Short has returned to Nantwich Town.