1:00pm Monday 6th July 2009
By Sports Desk
Farsley Celtic have been moved by the level of generosity as they look to raise funds to help pay for an appeal against their expulsion from the Blue Square North.
The Football Conference have booted them out of the league following the timing of the club’s move into administration.
With all the alternative leagues’ constitutions alrea-dy set for the new season, it means Farsley do not have a league to play in.
The club have appealed to the Football Association and have set up a fighting fund – 101, Still Going Strong – to help pay for the legal fees.
Official club spokesman Philip Morris said the fundraising initiative – launched at the weekend’s Farsley Community Festival – had got off to a flying start and exceeded expectations.
“The generosity of people has been little short of overwhelming.
“When this appeal was launched, I had in mind a figure of £3,000 to raise. Within 48 hours we have raised through pledges and donations some £2,500.
“I would like to thank publicly all those people who have responded.
“They haven’t just been local people, we have had donations from much further afield than Leeds, so it is reassuring that the sense of injustice that the club feels at the present time is felt by the wider community.
“We received many comments of support at the Community Festival and the people of Farsley were incredibly generous.
“Our stall was very well attended, many people expressed concern at our current situation and gave support.”
First team manager Neil Parsley says transfer negotiations have been put on hold.
“We have been talking to players and in two cases those players have asked to sit tight for next ten days just to be on the safe side,” said Parsley.
“I have spoken directly to the new signings we made earlier in the summer and they are quite happy to remain with us.
“It is a pity it has come to this. Why the club didn’t look to go into administration earlier and prevent the threat of closure escapes me.
“After the problems we encountered last season, I expected this to be done sooner but only the board has the answers to why it wasn’t.”
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