David Stockdale speaks for the first time on becoming new Farsley Celtic manager

David Stockdale speaks for the first time on becoming new Farsley Celtic manager, in what has been an eventful week for the club.

The former goalkeeper and head of recruitment replaces Neil Redfearn, who resigned last week after just 20 days in charge, along with assistant Pav Singh.

It’s been a week of twists, from the manager and chairman stepping down, to a new board and manager coming in to try and steady a club who have been a sinking ship.

CLUB STATEMENT:

The former Fulham, Brighton and Ipswich goalkeeper has huge experience as a player, ranging from Premier League to National League level. David was most recently the manager at Blyth Spartans.

He said: “I’ve been to The Citadel to watch Farsley before, I have friends who have played for Farsley in the past and I’m a local lad – I was born in Armley and I live in Farnley. I’m a local lad and I want to help. I’ve been coming here for a long time.

“I’ve spoken to the directors and I was impressed with what they are aiming to do with the club.”

David joins Farsley with a positive and competitive mindset, which he aims to pass on to players.

“It’s about being competitive. I don’t quit and I always keep going until the end. Football is unpredictable, we’re going to do everything we can to improve. Plans are in place for moving forward and I’m looking forward to helping the club get back to its former self.”

David has already spoken to the players and also met some of the board last night.

“It was great to meet some of the fantastic people connected to the club. Hearing from the women’s team, deaf team and the youth set up about what they have been doing during some unsettled times at the club was inspirational.”

David replaces Neil Redfearn, who left the club last week along with assistant Pav Singh. We’d like to thank both for their efforts.

Welcome to the Farsley family, David!

Shocking announcement made by chairman Paul Barthorpe on the future of Farsley Celtic

STATEMENT ON NEW BOARD:

Farsley Celtic Football Club is delighted to confirm that four of its directors are set to take over the running of the football club and its associated business, FC2010 Ltd.

Directors Paul Glover, Josh Greaves, John Stubbs and Jon Wickham will be taking the lead in running the football club and FC2010 Ltd. Chairman Paul Barthorpe has resigned from the football club after almost six years.

In a statement, all four said: “It’s a great honour to be the custodians of this incredible football club and we are excited by the challenges that lie ahead. We are very proud to be involved and our focus now is to work together with stakeholders and fans to build a sustainable and successful club on and off the pitch for the long term.

“We’d like to call on all supporters, the wider Farsley community, everyone connected with the club and local businesses to come together and back us as we look to forge a sustainable future for Farsley Celtic FC.

“A lot of work lies ahead, but if we are all united we are confident we can achieve a stable future for the club we all love.”

Further information on the laying of a new pitch at The Citadel will be provided in due course.

An open meeting sharing further information will be held at a date to be confirmed next week. The meeting will be open to supporters and members of the public. A meeting with supporters’ club members will be held tomorrow (Thursday).

Mr Barthorpe currently retains his stake on the holdings company, FC2010 (Holdings) Ltd.

The club is committed to keeping supporters and shareholders informed but asks for patience during this period of transition.

This is how fans reacted as David Stockdale speaks for the first time on becoming new Farsley Celtic manager…

@ArgyleLife1886: Good luck David, you’re going to need it there!

@manlik3padzz: We are all watching 👀 so glad that @ellis_platten bought this to my attention I had no idea the mess it all was behind the scenes. Hopefully in the coming months the fans get their club back. All the best from a Lincoln fan ❤️

@_GeorgeFearnley: Welcome David. A long journey ahead, glad to have you aboard. No matter the outcome of the season you’ll have the fans backing no doubts

@SASEnterprise5: Blokes the Sol Campbell of NLN clubs

@YCFC_Coops: Thought Stocky would have learned his lesson at Blyth. No, back for more. Club won’t exist before long….

@tomread1994: Go and smash it @stockogk1313 ❤️ one of the most genuine and inspirational people I’ve ever worked with. Deserved so much better at Blyth (as we all did) can’t wait to see you flourish pal. Love it 👏🏼

@DaveCockerLeeds: All the best Stocky, hope it all goes well for you & Katy & family 👍

@Wild3J: Good Luck @stockogk1313

@RFlavell: Good luck moving forward lads great set of lads 👏👏👏

@smithsara5: Congratulations and good luck Stocko 💙🦉💙⚽️💙

@Lancsiron: Is he their 4th manager this season… With the new board in place hopefully he may stay and see the season out…

@toboi2297: That is certainly… something. As a Brighton fan I wish him all the best

@BlythsGreenArmy: Good luck @stockogk1313 👏 Delightful bloke to speak to during his short spell at Spartans. Always very friendly and approachable. Wish him nothing but the best at Farsley. #OnceASpartan

@MattLeeBull: Best of luck to David Stockdale former Coventry loanee! Not 100% sure what’s going on at Farsley Celtic but I know it’s a bit of a shambles… #PUSB

@FGR_sean37: Bloody hell what a turn around for the club, chairman resigns and employ Stockdale as manager

@DarranPearce: Obviously likes to manage teams who are in a right mess given he managed Blyth for a short time earlier in the season