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Non league side announce decision to withdraw from 9th tier after dropping three divisions

Non league side Farsley Celtic this week announce a ‘difficult’ decision to withdraw from the 9th tier, after dropping three divisions.

Just months ago, they suffered relegation from the National League North, then they were placed in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

However, in a statement issued, the club have confirmed they won’t be participating for the 2025/26 season.

The club’s troubles intensified after a failed attempt to install an artificial pitch at their Throstle Nest ground, forcing them to play most of their 2024-25 home games 70 miles away in Buxton.

Key events include the resignation of manager Neil Redfearn after just three weeks, the departure of controversial chairman Paul Barthorpe, and a season marked by heavy losses.

Financial instability and failure to secure a licence for Steps 1-4 led to the huge drop down the English football pyramid.

The club is now focusing on stabilising finances, securing a new pitch, upgrading floodlights, and finalising a groundsharing deal, aiming to rebuild for a sustainable future with manager David Stockdale and his family in a takeover of the club.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Farsley Celtic Football Club can confirm that, following extensive discussions and careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw our team from the Northern Counties East League for the 2025/26 season.

This decision has not been taken lightly and comes as part of a wider strategic review of the club’s structure, amid ongoing developments regarding a proposed takeover.

Given the current situation and the transitional period we are entering, it has been determined that stepping back from NCEL competition is the most appropriate course of action at this time.

All relevant stakeholders have been fully consulted throughout the process, and their views have been carefully considered in reaching this outcome.

As a result of this decision, the Elite Talent Squad and the Academy & Education Programme have chosen to leave the Club ahead of the 2025/26 season. While this is a significant change, we respect their decision and thank them for their contribution to the development of young players during their time at Farsley Celtic.

Women’s, Deaf and Development teams

We would like to make it clear that this decision does not affect our Women’s, Deaf, or Development teams, all of which will continue to operate as planned during the 2025/26 season.

We remain fully committed to investing further time and resources into the continued growth and support of these important sections of the club.

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

Plans for future

Despite these changes, the mood around the club is a positive one. We are working hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition to the new ownership, and we are excited about the ambitious plans already being developed with them.

These plans include significant improvements to facilities and a renewed focus on player development, community engagement, and the long-term sustainability of the Club.

We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to the Northern Counties East League for their support and understanding during this period, and we remain committed to maintaining a positive relationship with them moving forward.

Thank you for your support

Further updates regarding the club’s direction, including the ongoing developments related to the takeover, will be shared with our supporters and the wider football community in due course.

We appreciate your continued support and understanding during this period of change.

A message from the Stockdale family emerged two weeks ago, it read: We are overwhelmed by the best wishes we have received since the announcement yesterday. It’s been a surprise to us how far of a reach this has had, which just goes to show what this venue can be.

We know it’s going to be tough but we are determined to make it work, a lot of local businesses and sponsors have reached out already to offer support. We have been taken aback by the level of support we have already received and hope that the community will return to make this place great again, as this deal will ensure the ground and facilities are maintained for the Farsley community for many years to come.

We would like to thank the shareholders, ICS and the whole community for their support so far.

IntaCapital Swiss has been involved with the club since 2023. ICS have released a statement, reiterating its support moving forward.

It said: “IntaCapital Swiss are proud to have financially supported Farsley Celtic Football Club over the past several years, contributing to securing the future of this historic and community-driven team.

“Our commitment to the club remains steadfast, and we look forward to continuing our support as Farsley Sports Club progresses both on and off the pitch. We continue to work with the new owners of the Club and IntaCapital Swiss intend to be very pro-active in our support to both the Club and the local community.”

We are honoured that they can see the potential in us and our plans and are grateful for the opportunity to work together. Thank you all, The Stockdale Family

Here’s how fans reacted as non league side Farsley Celtic announce the decision to withdraw from the 9th tier after dropping three divisions…

@TerryFCFCSmith: Now ive read it properly we will be back stronger it’s not the first time we have had major set backs and bounced back im sure we we will do it again

@CraigOgi: Difficult time but bear in mind it seems the new guys are trying to sort out the issues from before and I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy decision! Feel for the hardcore fans! Wish @stockogk1313 and everyone involved all the best with everything and I’m sure they’ll be back 👍🏻

@SeanCha75706366: Very sad to hear as a scarborough fan this is a very sad day to everyone associated with your club but u can bounce back we did good luck for the future

@_GeorgeFearnley: Sad but necessary

@WombwellTownFC: Our thoughts to the people behind the scenes, the volunteers, and their supporters. Hopefully you’ll come back stronger soon.

@_AFC_Sterny: How on earth can the mood around the club be a positive one ? Well definitely the first team. Can the NCEL promote another team from the division below ?

@NicktheP: Very sad. I hope they are up and running again in 2026/27.

@Gilberdan28: Sad to see this – come back stronger 💪🏻.

@catchynametaken: Can’t believe it what we’re seeing here

@IHemmens: Sad news indeed

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