By Dafydd Jones
THIS time last year, striker Adam Davies had fallen out of love with football through a lack of game time and confidence.
Fast-forward to now and the Airbus UK Broughton talisman is back enjoying the game, netting a remarkable 22 goals in 12 Cymru North games this season.
The target man netted a superb hat-trick as the Wingmakers secured a 7-2 victory over Prestatyn Town this weekend.
Davies joined Airbus from Cymru Premier side Aberystwyth Town, where he found opportunities hard to come by.
During a difficult spell with the Seasiders, the striker revealed that he considered retiring from the game.
“This time last year, I was at the rock bottom of my football. I considered knocking it on the head because of a lack of game time and a lack of confidence.
“Confidence is massive, especially as a striker. At Aberystwyth last season, that’s definitely something that I was lacking with not getting the game time that I wanted.
“It was frustrating because I was working really hard away from the club in terms of getting fitter and stronger.
“When I was training, I was training really well, but these things happen in football. It was a big squad that we had at the time, but it was tough for me.
“When you’re not playing and you feel like you can give something to the team, it’s really difficult.”
Davies has rebuilt his career at Airbus this season, with his prolific record in the Cymru North playing a part in the side’s fine start to the season.
The Wingmakers have recorded 11 wins in their opening 12 fixtures and currently sit four points clear at the top of the table.
Having made the perfect start to his time at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium, Davies expressed that his time at the club has reignited a passion for football.
“It’s definitely made me fall back in love with football. When you’re not playing and you come on and don’t play well, it’s just a cycle where you lose your love for football.
“Now, with Airbus, I’m enjoying every game and playing with a smile on my face. As a team, we’re winning so everyone’s enjoying it. That’s when you get the best results.
“It’s never gone as well as this season, everything’s falling into place. I’ve just turned 25. Physically, I’m probably the fittest, strongest and mentally, I’ve got a lot of confidence.
“I think the break helped me. I had a good six month period to reset. It was nice to have time to rest, but also to work hard and make sure I was ready for the season. It looks like it’s paying off so far this year.”
With Airbus at the top of the table, Davies and the Wingmakers have aspirations this season of a to return to the Cymru Premier.
The striker has a desire to test himself in Wales’ top flight and expressed that his and the club’s targets are perfectly aligned.
“My goal as any footballer’s goal is to play as high as they can. I think that matches Airbus’ aspirations. We’re in the Cymru North now but myself and the club want to get up to the Cymru Premier and want to be playing there regularly. I feel that where we both belong.
“It’s a short career in football where you get limited time. Being 25 now going into my best years, I want to be playing at the top and in the Cymru Premier. It’s great that Airbus’ ambitions match mine because we can both get back to where we want to be.”