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 household, secures an enormous takeover of troubled non league membership Farsley Celtic.

The 39 12 months outdated, alongside along with his household, has agreed to take over Farsley Celtic Soccer Membership from FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd.

Stockdale joined as head coach in February after Neil Redfearn’s departure. The membership has since confronted challenges together with relegation, cost points, and a groundshare.

However now, followers can hope for higher instances forward, with takeover introduced, ending Paul Barthorpe’s controversial spell as proprietor, with ultimate authorized approval wanted.

Thanks,It will likely be open for all, a multi sport hub. I’ll be round so anybody needs to ask or know please communicate with me. An open and welcoming place for all.Will likely be very arduous work however giving again to my metropolis in any small manner I can. https://t.co/LRrVwSm7KZ

— David Stockdale (@stockogk1313) June 16, 2025

🤝 First-team supervisor David Stockdale and his household have agreed a deal to safe the takeover of Farsley Celtic Soccer Membership from FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd.https://t.co/2CSdmfprw1

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

An announcement on the membership’s web site confirmed: “The membership can affirm that the Stockdale household has agreed with the key shareholders to accumulate 100% of FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd.

“The formal completion of the acquisition is topic to ultimate authorized technicalities.

“The membership will present additional updates sooner or later.”

They completed backside of the Nationwide League North for 2024/25, however then in an additional blow, they came upon they’d face a two-step demotion after failing to safe the required licence for Step 3 or 4 of non league, that means they may now play within the Northern Counties East League Premier – down at Step 5.

Right here’s how followers reacted because the ex-Prem and EFL keeper and his household secures an enormous takeover of the troubled non league membership…

@JT20John: Wishing David each success this has potential to be large. It wants a figurehead somebody like him who is aware of soccer and enterprise. communities want a thriving hub for all.

@Fiddler1970: Actually hope it will imply the membership shall be again on the up!! Nice Membership going via difficult instances.

@HatScarfShirt: I used to play Farsley once I was a child, so unhappy to see the way in which it’s gone however massively reassuring to see this. Sit up for the constructive @ellis_platten observe up video now greater than ever!

@nathdalton1: Congrats @stockogk1313. Wishing you each success in your new ward of what was as soon as an awesome soccer membership. Praying you restore it to its glory days each on and off the pitch 💙

@AFTCitadelpod: Improbable information for the membership, David is an absolute gentleman and I’m positive he has the instruments at his disposal to take this membership again the place it belongs

@mr_mroberts: All the very best. 👏👏

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

@TerryFCFCSmith: Good information for a Monday morning hopefully the blue military is again shortly thanks David and your loved ones

@AFTCitadelpod: Good luck Stocky! That is thrilling instances for the membership 🙌

David Stockdale got here in as Farsley Celtic’s fourth supervisor of the season in early February.

He stated in direction of the tip of the 2024/25 season: “I stated because of the lads after the final recreation [against Curzon Ashton]. I additionally informed them the workers thanks them and the membership thanks them for sticking with us. They’ve proven an awesome perspective and dedication in what are unsure instances for the membership. It’s been an opportunity for them to point out individuals what they’ll do.

“I’ve requested for arduous work and energy and so they’ve given me that. We wished to point out integrity as a membership and to fulfil our fixtures. Nationwide League North is tough for extra skilled gamers, not to mention lads who’re solely 17 or 18 years outdated. They’ve put the shirt on, proven satisfaction and carried out. They’ve performed via accidents and proven dedication to the membership, and we have now given them a stage.

“They’ve been enjoying academy video games and first group video games and it’s been demanding on such a small squad. They’ve gone via lots.”

“I’ve spoken to fairly just a few targets,” David continued. “Many are eager to seek out out extra. There was plenty of communication with some good gamers.”

“I wish to be organised and have a transparent plan.

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

“I wish to see us grow to be a membership the place the neighborhood is speaking concerning the group on the pitch and never concerning the membership in a foul sense. The place we’re within the papers for the suitable causes. I would like individuals to be speaking about that objective we scored on a Saturday afternoon within the clubhouse after the sport with a pint. Whereas subsequent season is a rebuild, I additionally wish to see some expectation from followers.”

“I’ve recollections from years in the past. A presentation night right here at Farsley from 2007 for 2008 brings again recollections.

“Me and my spouse used to return right here for a drink within the clubhouse. It at all times holds good recollections. Farsley are my most native membership.

“I’ve been to The Citadel to look at Farsley earlier than. I’ve pals who’ve performed for Farsley up to now and I’m a neighborhood lad – I used to be born in Armley and I dwell in Farnley. I wish to assist. I’ve been coming right here for a very long time.

“I’d wish to thank individuals for his or her help. I do know it’s been tough. I do know many followers haven’t been in a position to get to Buxton – it’s a protracted approach to journey – or possibly they produce other causes.

“Hopefully subsequent season individuals will come and take a look at what we’re doing. No matter has occurred up to now, simply come and take a look and get behind us.

“Followers will knew what I would like from the group and they’re going to be capable to see if I’m blissful. I’m a winner and I don’t wish to stop.”