JAMES Knowles may have left Throstle Nest for a second time but Farsley Celtic are still a club that are special to him and he feels this might be a big season for them.

He said: “It was probably selfish of me to want to leave, but after 18 months out I really wanted to be playing as much as I could.

“It was a wrench to leave Farsley and I spoke to John Deacey and Neil Parsley because it was them who took a chance on me after my injury lay-off.

"I asked if I could come and train with the club. I said that my fitness wasn’t there but if I trained, worked hard and got a few games in then they would be inheriting a good player.

“They gave me that chance and I got fit, got some games and a full pre-season under my belt, so I felt great.

"I was in the side at first but then I missed a couple of games and the team went on such a great run that I couldn’t get back in.

“When Bradford (Park Avenue) showed an interest, I spoke to Neil Pasley again and he said he couldn’t guarantee me a place in the side, and neither should he.

"That’s not what football is all about – its about battling, its about highs and lows.”

If Knowles was selfish in stepping up to play two divisions higher with Avenue in Vanarama National League North, he believes that his departure won’t affect the Celts’ campaign, which he predicts will be a good one.

He claims: “The lads at Farsley should walk that league because they are a great set of players.

“I’ve known them throughout my career and played with and against them for Park Avenue, Farsley and FC United.

"Almost all of them have been team-mates, and good friends as well.

"There are some great lads in that dressing room and terrific players – probably too many great players if that’s possible.

“They will need a strong squad to keep the promotion challenge up in the second half of the season, and they’ve got enough players at the moment. I think they will come up this season.”