Ex-Premier League star's football club resigns from English league weeks after purchase

Former Fulham and Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale's future is in doubt following Farsley Celtic's decision to withdraw from England's ninth tier. The decision was made just two weeks after it was confirmed that Stockdale and his family had agreed to buy the club.

The 39-year-old, who ventured into the business world towards the end of his playing career, took over as manager of the West Yorkshire team in February. However, his tenure was marred by disappointment, losing all 15 league games he managed, resulting in the club's relegation from the National League North and a drop of three divisions. Farsley, who once received a five-figure sum when one of their players featured in a Euro 2016 qualifier, had planned to install a new 4G pitch but were forced to halt the project halfway through. This resulted in the club playing its home games elsewhere.

Despite these challenges, Stockdale remained committed to the club and brought hope to the Celt Army by agreeing to end Paul Barthorpe's controversial ownership in June. However, this new era now faces uncertainty following the club's decision to resign from the Northern Counties East League.

A statement from the club read: "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 and Education Programme have chosen to leave the club ahead of the 2025/26 season."

Although the events leading up to Farsley's withdrawal from the league are regrettable, the board has shown prudence in their judicious decision. With fans having faced challenging times due to several setbacks, both on and off the pitch, this move indicates attention being paid towards restructuring effectively for future stability and success.

Retired goalkeeper Stockdale, who formerly managed Blyth Spartans, clocked up 481 professional appearances during a career that spanned over two decades. This includes 39 matches in the Premier League, all of which occurred during his six-year tenure at Craven Cottage. Starting and ending his professional playing career with York City, Stockdale spent the lion's share of his career in the Championship.

Some of his more prominent clubs at that level include Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers, where he narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Championship in 2022. According to Stockdale's official website, he and his wife Katie operate a property business named MDB13 Properties Ltd. This company manages their portfolio of 30 to 40 properties, which has an "estimated value of £4million to £5m."

Resigning from the Northern Counties East League could also imply that Farsley will not participate in the FA Cup or FA Vase in the upcoming campaign. However, there is hope among fans online that it will result in a renewed push to rejoin the National League by 2026.