NEW Farsley Celtic manager Adam Lakeland knows that he’s lucky to have netted such an opportunity, and admits that he didn’t have to think for a second before accepting the role.

“Once the chance to manage this club presented itself, it was a no-brainer,” said the man chosen to lead the Celts in their first season back in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Farsley won promotion via the play-offs after finishing as runners-up to Division One North champions Lancaster City by just one point.

They also lifted the West Riding County Cup to make it a double triumph.

Despite their success last term, both of their joint managers – John Deacey and Neil Parsley – cut their ties with the club for different reasons days after the club enjoyed their end-of-season awards evening.

Lakeland said: “Its unusual circumstances because not always do you come into a club that’s just been promoted. Successful clubs don’t normally have managerial vacancies.

“I’ve had chances to get back into management but I didn’t feel they were right, so I waited, and I’m glad I did.

"Farsley Celtic is a very traditional club – a club with a great history and is a big name in non-league football. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Lakeland moved into management at Curzon Ashton when he was appointed first-team coach and later assistant.

During that spell, the Nash earned back-to-back promotions and reached their current position in Vanarama National League North.

He moved on to Northwich Victoria to become a manager in his own right, but it was a difficult time for the Cheshire club, and Lakeland resigned towards the end of last year.

But he is now back in the game and he brings former Celts striker Mark Bett as his No 2.

Lakeland added: “I met Betsy when he signed for Curzon when I was first-team coach, and when I went to Northwich I took him there as assistant manager.

“I got in touch with him straight away, as soon as I knew we had a chance of getting the Farsley job, and he’s a perfect fit really.

"He’s popular with everyone at the club, he’s got local knowledge being a Bradford lad and he’s got loads of contacts in the area.”