It’s been a whirlwind journey for David Stockdale since he was introduced as Farsley Celtic’s fourth manager of the season in early February.

The former Fulham, Brighton and Ipswich goalkeeper has huge experience as a player, ranging from Premier League to non-league level. David was most recently the manager at Blyth Spartans, before joining Farsley.

He was previously at York City in the Vanarama National League where he played four times for the club as a goalkeeper but also served as their head of recruitment until his release a year ago.

David has a playing career spanning more than 20 years and has played in the Premier League down to the Northern Premier League Premier Division for the likes of Fulham, Brighton and Hove Albion, Birmingham City, Wycombe Wanderers, York City, Wakefield-Emery and many more.

While results haven’t gone Farsley’s way, you’d be hard-pressed to find a negative word from match-going fans about the effort and commitment from David and his inexperienced squad.

Our new manager said he could ask no more from his young side.

“I said thanks to the lads after the last game [against Curzon Ashton]. I also told them the staff thanks them and the club thanks them for sticking with us. They’ve shown a great attitude and commitment in what are uncertain times for the club. It’s been a chance for them to show people what they can do.

“I’ve asked for hard work and effort and they’ve given me that. We wanted to show integrity as a club and to fulfil our fixtures. National League North is difficult for more experienced players, let alone lads who are only 17 or 18 years old. They’ve put the shirt on, shown pride and performed. They’ve played through injuries and shown commitment to the club, and we have given them a stage.

“They’ve been playing academy games and first team games and it’s been demanding on such a small squad. They have gone through a lot.”

Some of the existing squad will undoubtedly be a part of the future of Farsley Celtic, with David hoping to put together a squad next season which is a mixture of experienced and younger players. He’s already planning for next season and has been thinking about new signings.

“I have spoken to quite a few targets,” David confirmed. “Many are keen to find out more. There has been a lot of communication with some good players.”

Those plans are, of course, reliant on the current transfer embargo being lifted on the club.

David already has pre-season planned and has friendly fixtures already lined up. “I like to be organised and have a clear plan,” he said.

He says the club needs a sustainable plan moving forward, and a season of stability and consolidation on and off the pitch is the aim for 2025-26, along with improving the club’s image. “I have a five-year plan of how I’d like to see us progress,” he added.

“I want to see us become a club where the community is talking about the team on the pitch and not about the club in a bad sense. Where we are in the papers for rthe right reasons. I want people to be talking about that goal we scored on a Saturday afternoon in the clubhouse after the game with a pint. While next season is a rebuild, I also want to see some expectation from fans.”

It’s clear from speaking to him, that the club means a lot to him. “I have memories from years ago. A presentation evening here at Farsley from 2007 for 2008 brings back memories.

“Me and my wife used to come here for a drink in the clubhouse. It always holds good memories. Farsley are my most local club.

“I’ve been to The Citadel to watch Farsley before. I have friends who have played for Farsley in the past and I’m a local lad – I was born in Armley and I live in Farnley. I want to help. I’ve been coming here for a long time.”

Stocky does have a message for fans who have endured a difficult season.

“I’d like to thank people for their support. I know it’s been difficult. I know many fans haven’t been able to get to Buxton – it’s a long way to travel – or maybe they have other reasons.

“Hopefully next season people will come and have a look at what we’re doing. Whatever has happened in the past, just come and have a look and get behind us.”

David says he’s always happy to chat to fans and to be transparent. “Fans will knew what I want from the team and they will be able to see if I’m happy. I’m a winner and I don’t like to quit.”

Farsley Celtic travel to promotion hopefuls Brackley for the final National League North game of the season tomorrow (Saturday).