Farsley Celtic have today confirmed the sale of Jimmy Spencer to Curzon Ashton for an undisclosed fee.
Spencer, 31, joined the Celts from Mansfield Town in the summer of 2018, and spent five years at the Citadel, becoming a central figure for Farsley throughout his time in West Leeds.
The fee will come as a welcome financial boost for part-timers Farsley, who have been struggling with cash-flow problems in recent months.
A Farsley spokesperson said in a statement: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Jimmy for his immense efforts in a Farsley shirt over the previous five years, and wish him all the best for the future.
“He will leave behind a whole host of moments of individual brilliance that will live long in the memory of Farsley supporters, such as his hat-trick at Grantham Town, his overhead kick at Alfreton, and his outstanding assist for Jack Higgins’ winner at Matlock Town.
“Jimmy and his family will always be welcome back at the Citadel. Once a Celt, always a Celt.”
Spencer made an immediate impact in his first season at the club, helping to fire the Celts to the Northern Premier League title, and a return to the National League North for the first time since 2010.
Spencer would be honoured individually for his efforts that season, voted the Northern Premier League Player of the Year, whilst being named in the Northern Premier League’s Team of the Year, alongside Will Hayhurst.
In 2019, Spencer was voted into Farsley’s Team of the Decade for the 2010s.
Spencer is the latest in a line of Farsley players and official to make the move over the Pennines to East Manchester. He will reunite with former Celts boss Adam Lakeland and former Celts players Will Hayhurst, Adam Barton, Jordan Richards and Sam Walker.
Curzon manager Lakeland said: “He is a player I signed at my previous club and was outstanding for me. In my opinion he is one of the best number nines outside the football league.”
Spencer leaves the Citadel after making 173 appearances, finding the back of the net on 59 occasions. His career includes spells at Plymouth Argyle, Notts County, Morecambe and Cheltenham Town, and has made over 150 football league appearances.
Loanees depart
Connor Teale and Nathaniel Wallace have returned to Fleetwood Town and Scunthorpe United respectively, following the conclusion of their loans at Farsley Celtic.
Connor Teale made seven appearances for the Celts, filling in at centre-half while Adam Clayton and Isaac Assenso returned from injury. The versatile Nathaniel Wallace made five appearances in his time at the Citadel, filling in at both right-wing back and in the Celts’ forward line when called upon.
Celts travel to Telford
Farsley Celtic head on the road tonight, making the long trip to AFC Telford United.
It’s another hugely significant game for the Celts, who travel to a side in Telford who currently sits bottom of the division, nine points behind Farsley.
And a win could see Russ Wilcox’s side move out of the relegation zone, or at the very least move level on points with Bradford (Park Avenue).
However, the Celts will face a tough task having struggled on the road, failing to win away from the Citadel in the league since October 25.
Yet the Celt Army can head into this evening’s meeting full of confidence, losing just three of their last 10, and having secured a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over Hereford on Saturday.
AFC Telford United have certainly seen an improvement in their performances under Kevin Wilkin of late, stringing together a run of five games without defeat in early January.
That said, they have won just one of their last 10 in all competitions, and have lost back-to-back games heading into this fixture.
The Bucks have looked to strengthen their squad ahead of this evening’s meeting, bringing in defender Luke Burke on loan from AFC Fylde until the end of the season, while The Celts will be missing the departed Jimmy Spencer.
Striker Frank Mulhern is available this evening, with his four-game suspension for Saturday’s dismissal kicking in on Saturday.
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