NEW Farsley Celtic joint-manager John Deacey is looking forward to teaming up with his old mate Neil Parsley again – and hopes the partnership will benefit the club.

The pair have worked together in the past, despite both being successful managers in their own right before and since. Deacey has had three spells as Bradford Park Avenue boss and got them promoted into National League North.

He assumed the mantle at Throstle Nest when Lee Sinnott was lured away by Port Vale, having been the ex-Bradford City defender's assistant.

Parsley joined Guiseley when his professional career, in which he played for Leeds United and Huddersfield Town among others, came to end.

He moved from player to coach to assistant to Bobby Davison and then into the hot seat himself with the then Unibond League Premier Division club.

Deacey was instrumental in bringing him to the Nest as he was an acquaintance whose work as the then Farsley boss he had always admired.

Now, after years of friendship, they stand side by side – and they are determined to get the Celts back up the leagues.

"We were a decent side last year and we have brought in some very good players this close season, so we're hopeful," said Deacey.

"But you have to be realistic as this is a very competitive division and there are some clubs with a lot of financial backing.

"It's the same every year in this league and every league in the country. You think you're strong but there are always clubs that have just come down from the higher division and sides with momentum that have been promoted.

"The players we have brought in are quality and have experience of being in higher leagues but, like anything, that doesn't guarantee success.

"We will have to see how they adapt to this division before we can start to set ourselves targets. Time will tell."