Evo Stik Division One North
Farsley Celtic
On paper, Farsley Celtic have their strongest squad in a few years. They are solid at the back, dangerous in midfield and lethal in attack. The capture of James Walshaw is one of the biggest summer signings in Division One North and he is going to be vital to Farsley’s hopes.
Joint Managers
John Deacey and Neil Parsley
John Deacey pictured in September 2008 during his first stint in charge of Farsley
John Deacey is officially back at Farsley Celtic after helping them in an unofficial capacity last season. Deacey was assistant to Martin Haresign and then Lee Sinnott, who he helped win three promotions in four years, a decade ago. After Sinnott’s departure to Port Vale, Deacey was the Celts boss until he unceremoniously sacked ten league games into the 2008-09 season. Now after a period away managing Bradford (Park Avenue), he’s back sharing the top job with Neil Parsley – the man who replaced him in 2008.
Opening Five Fixtures
Colwyn Bay (H), Goole AFC (A), Congleton Town (A) – Emirates FA Cup, Kendal Town (H), Tadcaster Albion (A).
Player Movement
Richard Marshall has joined Farsley Celtic from Bradford (Park Avenue)
In: Richard Marshall (Bradford Park Avenue), Nathan Turner (Bradford Park Avenue), Peter Davidson (Shaw Lane AFC), James Walshaw (Bradford Park Avenue), Luke O’Brien (Shaw Lane AFC), Graeme McKibbin, Alex Davidson (Shaw Lane AFC).
Out: Lewis Nightingale (Darlington 1883), Tom Taylor (Brighouse Town), Robbie O’Brien (retired), Danny Bunch (Brighouse Town), Josh Grant (Frickley Athletic), Lewis Sugden.
One to Watch
James Walshaw
James Walshaw is arguably the best Yorkshire-based Non League striker of the last decade
Prediction
Title Contenders
Interview
Neil Parsley
Farsley Celtic joint manager Neil Parsley
Neil Parsley believes Farsley Celtic have built a side that can fight at the top end of the table.
But the Farsley joint boss is not publicly setting any big targets.
“I think we will be able to compete with the better sides,” Parsley told Non League Yorkshire.
“Colwyn Bay have splashed the cash, shall we say. They have signed some experienced players who were a success in our league last year.
“I think Bamber Bridge will be decent again, along with Glossop. I think it will be a competitive league. It is certainly a strong league.
“With Witton and Northwich going to the South and Spennymoor and Warrington going up, I think with the group of players we have, there is no reason why we can’t challenge.
“Last season we bettered what we did the year before and I want to better last year. The club have backed myself and John because there’s been an increase in the budget. We have gone out and assembled what we think is a good squad.”
Farsley flirted with the play-offs last season after a run of 12 consecutive wins in all competitions.
The Celts fell short, mainly because of the poor beginning to the season.
“Ten points from 15 games is not a good start in anybody’s book,” he said.
“Myself and Jacko (then-assistant Mark Jackson) analysed it and thought we were playing well enough, but didn’t have the cutting edge.
“We then went on the amazing run and gave ourselves a chance of the play-offs, but we didn’t have the strength in depth for the dip in form.
“I just feel we have a lot more quality in depth this year and there’s more competition for places.”