Airbus UK Broughton Football Club has announced that former Wrexham and Chester Legend Roger Preece is to join Craig Harrisons back room set up with immediate effect. Preece will work alongside Andrew Thomas on the coaching side and be a pivotal contributor to Harrison.
Preece was born in Much Wenlock and began his Football career with Coventry City as an apprentice before joining Wrexham where he played over 100 League Games for the Welsh Side, released by Wrexham in 1990 Preece joined bitter rivals Chester City and became a cult hero after scoring the goal at Hereford United that got City promoted in 1994.
The Following Season Preece was seriously injured in a tackle by Hartlepool`s Mick Tait, meaning he would miss the remainder of the Season. He left Chester City and played further games for Conference Sides Southport and Telford United before joining Shrewsbury Town in 1997 alongside Jake King as player coach in 2000 the pair joined Telford United as Manager and Assistant.
Preece joined Newtown in the Welsh Premier League in 2003 to take control of a Club for the First time, Preece was held in high regard at Latham Park for his work and the way in which he conducted himself prior to him leaving the Robins in 2006. Since 06 Preece has held coaching roles at Gap Queens Park and moved with Gap to Gap Connahs Quay before joining Huw Griffiths at Technogroup Welshpool Town. Preece also works at Wrexham FC Centre of Excellence overseeing the Different Age Groups.
Manager Craig Harrison was delighted with the appointed of Preece commenting "It`s fantastic to get someone of Roger`s experience and know how into the Club, he comes highly recommended by lots of people in Welsh Football and the fact he has played lots of games in the Football League means he will get instant respect from the lads, as everyone knows we have not replaced Carl Darlington who left us to join TNS at the end of last season and I am confident Roger`s appointment will prove to be perfect replacement for Darlo and will have massive pluses for Me as the Manager and for the Club as a whole"
Preece commented "I have been really impressed with the way Craig spoke so passionately about the Club and his drive and determination to take the Club forward means I am really looking forward to joining an ambitious Club that have made great strides forward over the last few years, I am also looking forward to meeting and working with the players, and hopefully my experience will benefit them and help them get back to the form they showed not so long back"
Airbus UK Broughton Chairman Paul McKinlay was pleased with the appointment of Preece saying "Airbus UK Broughton are delighted that Roger has agreed to join us, his knowledge and experience will be vital as we look to re capture our early season form, on behalf of the Club I would like to welcome Roger to the Airfield"
Preece will begin his role at this week`s training sessions and his first game with the Wing Makers will be at Friday`s Home Fixture against Runaway Leader`s Bangor City.
Picture: Preece During His Newtown Days (www.welsh-premier.com)
