AFTER a hugely successful season in Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One, it was all change at Llandudno Albion this summer after popular manager Paul Cheung stepped down from his post.

The long-serving boss has ridden the crest of a wave to guide Albion into the third tier and to a top half finish last season, and expectations are now at fever pitch under new boss Darren Jones.

They have a considerable amount of talent within their squad and are more than capable of giving any side in the division plenty to think about when they are firing all cylinders, and this shrewd recruitment has led to them becoming one of the frontrunners for the title this time around.

The likes of Allan Davies, Dave Maddock and Luke Fountain have considerable ability and are sure to play a huge part in any success that comes Albion’s way, with Peter Jones also joining the club this summer and he is another useful attacking option for the new manager to call upon.

Cheung has now moved to the role of chairman and is working incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure the club are able to progress in the long-term, with plans including their own pitch in the future and an improved youth system to breed further talent from across the region.

Albion should serve as a great source of aspiration in terms of what can be achieved by a newly formed club providing they have the right people in place from the off, and the onus will now be on the players to continue their progression and really make a name for themselves during what should be another memorable campaign.

Key man: Ricky Jones

The gifted playmaker is at the heart of everything good for Albion, and Jones will once again be relied upon heavily to produce the goods on a consistent basis to ensure that his team’s pre-season goals are met.

He is an incredibly calming influence with the ball at his feet, and his vision and ability to withstand a tackle are other notable features of his overall game that make him arguably one of the better attacking minded players in the entire league.

Player to watch: Lee Ellis

Ellis arrives with big reputation after scoring goals on a consistent basis in the Huws Gray Alliance, and this experience is going to be a fantastic addition to an Albion frontline that is one of the most formidable operating at this level.

He is a very clever forward who has a great ability to find space to give himself a half chance, and providing he hits the ground running then the sky is the limit in terms what he can achieve this term.

Verdict:

This might be considered by some to be a period of transition with the managerial change, but the nucleus of the squad has remained intact which will ensure that there will not be much, if any, changes to how the club operate on the field.

Albion are a top outfit and they have the ability to win the title, but they might find one too good in Llangefni Town but they have a chance to stake their claim early on in the season, with Cefni playing their first five games on the road.

Jones’ men must take advantage of any slip-ups during Town’s difficult opening to proceedings, and although early in the season it might be enough to give them the confidence they need for the remainder of the campaign.

Prediction: 2nd (Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One)

First five games: Aug 11: Greenfield (H), Aug 15: St Asaph City (A), Aug 18: Llangefni Town (H), Aug 21: Llandyrnog United (A), Aug 25: Nantlle Vale (A).