The Yorkshire club is the newest example of rank, bad ownership. Since Paul Barthorpe took over, he’s pointlessly changed the club colours, badge, nickname and ground name. More recently there were closure threats for not submitting club accounts on time.
My pointing this out on a club podcast led him to rant on the Farsley website about how wrong it was. I reported a fact. This season, their grass pitch was ripped up and replaced with nothing which has effectively ruined the club. Barthorpe’s views continue to be at odds with supporters, but with his credibility shot, no-one is listening. He’s stood down from the board and withdrawn his cash but ominously remains the owner. The remaining board members have a GoFundMe appeal to keep the club afloat as well as reopening the club bar. The Supporters Club have lifted their Buxton boycott. Understandably, there’s no great enthusiasm to travel 140 miles return to see a scratch side lose again. Farsley lose more money weekly because gate taking at Buxton don’t cover the rental fee. Somehow, they need to raise £50,000 to fund a new grass pitch before next season. There’s already strong indication of their opting for voluntary relegation to a level where they can compete.
The Celts are on their third or arguably fourth manager this season with resignations forced by broken promises. They even briefly had a female manager as a caretaker. The latest incumbent David Stockdale has a hopeless task. Every player who started the season have left for work elsewhere including our own DJ Sturridge. Replacing them are members of the U19 squad. As some have no ages listed, they may be 17. Added to that is anyone who’s cheap. Three squad members are 24, one of whom played a few times for Carlisle. Otherwise, they are 21 or younger. A mixed bag of nationalities here including Sweden, Portugal, Zimbabwe plus Sao Tome and Principe (a central African country).
Farsley Celtic have lost their last 11 games. Scored 3, conceded 37. Last Saturday was a 4-0 tonking at Spennymoor with only 16 players. The four subs were all home grown aged 17 or 18 with 18 brief appearances between them. Total goals this season from the remaining players are Youmbi 2, Silva 2, Hyde 1 and Mampala 1.
Depending on the result of this game and elsewhere, Farsley may be relegated by Saturday night. They are well past being caring. For our part, we expect nothing less than a professional job. Expect but be mightily relieved when the first goal goes in. Be a proper supporter. If you see any Farsley followers, wish them well and shake their hands. We know what football despair is all about. Admission at Buxton is £15 adults, £10 concessions. Pay on the door. (singular) There won’t be a rush. At least we can all park close to the Silverlands.
If Radio Hereford FC sounds more appealing, I’m sorry you’ve copped for me again, with Keith leading the way. We’ll be agonising how to pronounce Chris Bumhira (Farsley defender) correctly.
Radio Hereford FC | Hereford FC – The Official website of Hereford FC
Simon Wright
