New Bradford (Park Avenue) goalkeeper Tom Morgan in action for the Green and White army at Tadcaster Albion on Tuesday night
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Words and pictures by James Grayson (@jamesAgrayson, @NonLeagueNorth)
Signing for Bradford (Park Avenue) was an opportunity that experienced goalkeeper Tom Morgan felt he could not turn down.
Morgan, 31, did verbally agree to sign up for a fifth consecutive season at Evo Stik Division One North side Farsley AFC, but a call out of the blue from Avenue manager John Deacey prompted a change of heart.
The two Division jump to the Conference North immediately caught his eye and after consideration, Morgan decided to join Paddy Miller, the defender who also left Farsley to Avenue this summer, at Horsfall Stadium.
Another factor was ‘a buzz’ that he got from the call from former Farsley manager Deacey which felt similar to the one he got from playing and saving a penalty in front of the BT Sport cameras last season for FC Halifax Town (more information HERE).
Morgan told Non League Yorkshire: “It’s been so far so good, I’m really enjoying it.
“It is a fresh challenge and I really do think I needed a challenge.
“I’d had nearly ten memorable years at Farsley, but I think at my age of 31, I needed a fresh start.
“Last season, as much as enjoyed playing for Farsley, I just felt a bit stale and needed to push on.
“Pars (Farsley manager Neil Parsley) phoned me in the off season and we spoke in Benidorm about next year.
“In principle I said ‘yes I would stay on’. However, when I got the phone call from John Deacey, I thought it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“Especially at my age with all the bad injuries I have had. I know I haven’t got long left, but if I can keep my body right and myself fit (I will prolong my career).
“I’d say chances (to play in the Conference North) are limited as you get older and when I played at Halifax last season I got a really buzz off it and I haven’t had that for a while.
“Getting the phone call saying ‘do you fancy stepping up two leagues’ gave me that buzz again.”
Happy times: New Bradford (Park Avenue) goalkeeper Tom Morgan collects his man of the match award for his heroic display in the 2011 NCEL League Cup final from league chairman David Morrall
Tom Morgan was a popular figure at Farsley AFC
Morgan has been Farsley’s best goalkeeper of the 21st century and a player whose name is synonymous with the Throstle Nest outfit.
Since arriving at Farsley in 2003, he was a main stay of Lee Sinnott’s side that flew up the football pyramid and landed in the Football Conference.
Morgan was the goalkeeper for Farsley on the greatest night in their history when they beat Hinckley United to win promotion to the top flight of Non League Football.
He did briefly leave to play for Guiseley, Avenue and Garforth Town before returning to help lead the reformed club win the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division at the first attempt in 2011.
He also won the man of the match award for his heroic display in the incredible NCEL League Cup final in the same year – a match which saw Farsley reduced to ten men after just 90 seconds.
Looking back on his two spells at Farsley, Morgan said: “The best memories are probably progressing through the leagues with Lee Sinnott, John Deacey and Gary Stokes.
“Then there is progressing as a goalkeeper with the help of Gary Stokes and Lee Sinnott and John Deacey.
“Getting into the Conference is a great memory and then coming back as a new club was just as memorable.
“But, obviously good things come to an end and it’s a footballing decision.
“Pars and Jacko were understanding that at my age it is a great opportunity to play at the highest level I can.
“They wished me all the best and I’d like to thank everyone at Farsley for all their support over the years.”
Morgan and Avenue are hoping for a successful season in the Conference, while Farsley are looking to Tom Taylor to fill their departed goalkeeper’s shoes.