Ex-Premier League goalie David Stockdale on rebuilding Farsley FC

Former Premier League goalkeeper David Stockdale has embarked on an ambitious mission to rebuild Farsley FC just nine months after acquiring its debt-ridden predecessor. Stockdale completed a takeover of Farsley Celtic in December before liquidating the club and establishing FC Farsley in its place. The Leeds-born football veteran now juggles an eclectic list of roles at the club, from owner and manager to floor cleaner and toilet repairer.

A Career Spanning Two Decades

Stockdale's willingness to take on any task reflects the work ethic he developed during a two-decade career as a professional player. He made almost 500 professional appearances across a series of clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, York City, Brighton and Birmingham. Now, rather than hanging up his boots completely, Stockdale has channelled that same dedication into transforming a non-league club.

A Whole Family Effort

The rebuilding project has been a genuine family undertaking. Stockdale's father, also named David, has played a key role in the renovation work. "By trade I was a painter and decorator so I'm going around and doing all the areas after they've fixed it up," he said. His mother has also been present during the intensive work, helping with watering cans as the club prepares its facilities.

Stockdale's son Billy, aged 14, has been actively involved too, helping to cut the grass and set out the kit in the changing rooms. The work began in June last year when the family agreed to take over the club, though the formal process was not completed until December. Stockdale described the intensity of those months, saying: "I was doing 16-hour days being here and then going to meetings with solicitors."

The Physical Transformation

As part of the transformation, FC Farsley's ground has returned to its original name of Throstle Nest and the team has reverted to its traditional blue colours. Stockdale and club director John Stubbs redesigned the dugout and took particular pride in preparing the training pitch for use until the original pitch can be restored. "The hours that we put into this grass is phenomenal," Stockdale said. "We've gone from watching paint dry to watching grass grow – I don't know which one's worse."

The overgrown original pitch remains a stark reminder of the work still required. When the club was still Farsley Celtic, the grass was dug up with the promise of an artificial replacement that never materialised. This left the side unable to host football at home during the 2024-25 season, forcing them to play 69 miles away in Buxton, Derbyshire. Many fans boycotted the away fixtures in protest. Stockdale expressed hope that new 3G artificial turf can be laid at Throstle Nest next year. "If we get this 3G down soon it will be the only 3G with a stadium around it in Leeds," he said.

A Community Hub Beyond Football

Throstle Nest is becoming more than just a football ground. Stockdale and his children run activities there for all ages, including netball, gymnastics, roller discos and bouncy castle parties. His 23-year-old daughter Molly runs the Little Lambs, a junior programme that starts with children as young as 18 months old. The club also has a deaf team and 25 junior teams in total. Molly and her younger sister Daisy, aged 17, work in the club's café alongside their mother Katie, the co-owner. Molly said: "I love that I get to come to work and I get to have breakfast with my family every morning."

Katie Stockdale initially opposed the acquisition. "I passionately told my husband not to buy the club," she explained, "but adds that she does not regret the decision." She emphasised the club's broader purpose: "The thing with FC Farsley is we're more than just a football club. Everybody wants it to succeed and turn it back into the great club we remember when we were growing up."

Building for the Long Term

FC Farsley's men's first match will be an away fixture against South Leeds Reserves on Wednesday 12 August in the Yorkshire Amateur League Supreme Division, the 11th tier of English football. Stockdale acknowledged the long road ahead, noting that it will take at least five seasons to return to National League North, the division in which Farsley Celtic last played. However, he views this period as an opportunity to develop the club's academy. "We wanted before we passed the baton on to see someone come through Little Lambs all the way through our football club to the first team," Stockdale said. As the season approaches, the Stockdales remain optimistic. "We just hope that people return that investment in coming down," Stockdale added.