By John Baron
Work to install a new artificial pitch at Farsley Celtic Football Club will begin in the next fortnight, supporters attending a club media event were told yesterday.
The event saw the Celts reveal nine new signings ahead of the new National League North season and outline ambitious plans for the new season.
Chairman Paul Barthorpe confirmed construction materials had been ordered and that work was due to start in the ‘next couple of weeks’ on a new state-of-the art synthetic playing surface. WLD reported last week that planning permission had been granted by Leeds City Council to replace the old grass pitch, which was no longer fit for purpose.
The club’s pre-season friendlies and August National League North games will all be played away from home while work is carried out.
Mr Barthorpe said: “We are about to totally change the way we operate as a club. The new pitch will allow our academy and women’s teams to play and train at the Citadel. We have the third best deaf team in the world, yet they rarely play here.”
Planning applications for LED floodlights and an electronic scoreboard are due to follow, Mr Barthorpe added.
He also confirmed the club’s dressing rooms would be refurbished, along with improvements to the clubhouse.
New signings
Last season Farsley Celtic finished fifth from bottom and narrowly avoided relegation from National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
New signings include right-sided full-back/midfielder Harvey Rowe, forward Dylan Youmbi, versatile left-sided defender Aiden Walker, winger Sajjad Elhassan, forward Manasse Mampala, stirker Robbie Fox, winger Alex Kiwomya, midfielder Sam Fielding, left-sided defender Bailey Sloane.
WLD understands more signings are set to follow, including a new goalkeeper.
Director of football Pav Singh spoke about the club’s key values, which included togetherness, work ethic and resilience.
“We want to move away from this narrative of Farsley Celtic punching above our weight in this league, or that we are just a small village team. We want to be looking up rather than behind us – other teams don’t like coming here.
“Last season was tough. We were bedding in a lot of new players, we have a young management team and the team was evolving.”
Head coach Clayton Donaldson said he was excited for the new season.
He added: “Last year saw a lot of ups and downs. We’ve brought some exciting players in and I’m looking forward to working with them. You can see here today that we are a family club at the heart of the community, and I can’t wait to get started again.”
Assistant coach Danny Ellis said The Celts struggled towards the end of last season partly due to a lack of strength in depth and hoped the new signings would help address that.
Retained players from last season include club captain Chris Atkinson and defenders Tom Allan, Rudy Misambo, Isaac Assenso, Danny Ellis and Lewis Turner. Midfielders include Ryan Watson, Conor Branson, Ben Atkinson and Sam Leverett and forwards Darren Stephenson, Clayton Donaldson, and Joao Silva.
Season tickets are now on sale at the club, priced at just £10 per game for adults. More details here.
Women’s football
Izzy Roads was confirmed as women’s manager for the new season, and he urged more people to come along and support the women’s side at The Citadel this season.
Izzy said: “It is an honour and a privilege to represent a club that means so much to me.
“I am excited to face the challenges ahead alongside a cracking squad and coaching team, as well as the fans and everyone behind the scenes. We’ve had a successful few years so I am looking forward to building on that this season. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and the team so far.”
Club director and Women’s Head of Development Sue Hawkshaw added: “The women’s section are delighted to have secured Izzy Roads as our manager. His passion for the team is unmatched and his experience is extensive.
“In addition, Izzy is an exemplar of the club’s values and sets an excellent example to the staff, players and supporters alike. We are proud to have him as our manager as he leads the team into the Premier Division and the FA Cup after another consecutive promotion.”
Izzy will be assisted by Conor Cowan and Jahsiah Donaldson.
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