Ex-Prem and EFL keeper and his family secures huge takeover of troubled non league club

Ex-Prem and EFL keeper David Stockdale, and his family, secures a huge takeover of troubled non league club Farsley Celtic.

The 39 year old, along with his family, has agreed to take over Farsley Celtic Football Club from FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd.

Stockdale joined as head coach in February after Neil Redfearn’s departure. The club has since faced challenges including relegation, payment issues, and a groundshare.

But now, fans can hope for better times ahead, with takeover announced, ending Paul Barthorpe’s controversial spell as owner, with final legal approval needed.

Thank you,
It will be open for all, a multi sport hub. I’ll be around so anyone wants to ask or know please speak with me. An open and welcoming place for all.
Will be very hard work but giving back to my city in any small way I can. https://t.co/LRrVwSm7KZ

— David Stockdale (@stockogk1313) June 16, 2025

🤝 First-team manager David Stockdale and his family have agreed a deal to secure the takeover of Farsley Celtic Football Club from FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd.https://t.co/2CSdmfprw1

— The Non-League Paper (@NonLeaguePaper) June 16, 2025

A statement on the club’s website confirmed: “The club can confirm that the Stockdale family has agreed with the major shareholders to acquire 100% of FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd.

“The formal completion of the purchase is subject to final legal technicalities.

“The club will provide further updates in due course.”

They finished bottom of the National League North for 2024/25, but then in a further blow, they found out they would face a two-step demotion after failing to secure the necessary licence for Step 3 or 4 of non league, meaning they will now play in the Northern Counties East League Premier – down at Step 5.

Here’s how fans reacted as the ex-Prem and EFL keeper and his family secures a huge takeover of the troubled non league club…

@JT20John: Wishing David every success this has potential to be huge. It needs a figurehead someone like him who knows football and business. communities need a thriving hub for all.

@Fiddler1970: Really hope this will mean the club will be back on the up!! Great Club going through challenging times.

@HatScarfShirt: I used to play Farsley when I was a kid, so sad to see the way it’s gone but hugely reassuring to see this. Look forward to the positive @ellis_platten follow up video now more than ever!

@nathdalton1: Congrats @stockogk1313. Wishing you every success in your new ward of what was once a great football club. Praying you restore it to its glory days both on and off the pitch 💙

@AFTCitadelpod: Fantastic news for the club, David is an absolute gentleman and I’m sure he has the tools at his disposal to take this club back where it belongs

@mr_mroberts: All the best. 👏👏

@comtarlisle: Get on stocko. I can see Richard dalton and Arthur in charge of first team no dramas

@TerryFCFCSmith: Brilliant news for a Monday morning hopefully the blue army is back shortly thank you David and your family

@AFTCitadelpod: Good luck Stocky! This is exciting times for the club 🙌

David Stockdale came in as Farsley Celtic’s fourth manager of the season in early February.

He said towards the end of the 2024/25 season: “I said thanks to the lads after the last game [against Curzon Ashton]. I also told them the staff thanks them and the club thanks them for sticking with us. They’ve shown a great attitude and commitment in what are uncertain times for the club. It’s been a chance for them to show people what they can do.

“I’ve asked for hard work and effort and they’ve given me that. We wanted to show integrity as a club and to fulfil our fixtures. National League North is difficult for more experienced players, let alone lads who are only 17 or 18 years old. They’ve put the shirt on, shown pride and performed. They’ve played through injuries and shown commitment to the club, and we have given them a stage.

“They’ve been playing academy games and first team games and it’s been demanding on such a small squad. They have gone through a lot.”

“I have spoken to quite a few targets,” David continued. “Many are keen to find out more. There has been a lot of communication with some good players.”

“I like to be organised and have a clear plan.

“I have a five-year plan of how I’d like to see us progress.

“I want to see us become a club where the community is talking about the team on the pitch and not about the club in a bad sense. Where we are in the papers for the right reasons. I want people to be talking about that goal we scored on a Saturday afternoon in the clubhouse after the game with a pint. While next season is a rebuild, I also want to see some expectation from fans.”

“I have memories from years ago. A presentation evening here at Farsley from 2007 for 2008 brings back memories.

“Me and my wife used to come here for a drink in the clubhouse. It always holds good memories. Farsley are my most local club.

“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 want to help. I’ve been coming here for a long time.

“I’d like to thank people for their support. I know it’s been difficult. I know many fans haven’t been able to get to Buxton – it’s a long way to travel – or maybe they have other reasons.

“Hopefully next season people will come and have a look at what we’re doing. Whatever has happened in the past, just come and have a look and get behind us.

“Fans will knew what I want from the team and they will be able to see if I’m happy. I’m a winner and I don’t like to quit.”