FARSLEY boss Neil Parsley admitted his surprise at Rob O'Brien's decision to hang up his boots.

The club captain signed off in style in the Celts' last game of the season, opening the scoring in the 2-1 home victory over Radcliffe Borough. After playing the full 90 minutes, his team-mates formed a guard of honour for O’Brien as he walked off to rapturous applause.

Parsley was sorry to see the skilful and combative midfield player bring the curtain down on his playing career and wonders if it is too soon.

The manager said: “I think Robbie has been a bit hasty because he is still a very good player.

“We had talks in the week before our season came to an end and I know he was a little disappointed with the way the season had gone. He picked up a couple of injuries and one of them was long term.

“When we went on that long run of victories he had recovered and got his fitness back through hard training and game-time as a substitute but we were in such a rich vein of form that we couldn’t change the side and he found himself on the bench a lot.

“I know he wanted regular football and at the stage his career was at I could understand that but I can’t make any promises.”

Parsley respects O'Brien's decision and hopes he will return to the game in some capacity.

He said: “Robbie has made his mind up and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club and I would like to go on record to say that he has been a great captain for me and for Farsley.

"He has been a great servant to the club and he is very popular with everyone here at Throstle Nest.

“I just hope he isn’t a loss to the game. I don’t know if he will change his mind and play some more for another club but, if he doesn’t, I hope he becomes involved in some capacity because he has so much knowledge.”