Farsley still have to narrow down the applicants for their managerial vacancy but it is not causing a problem for chairman Andy Firbank and is handing caretaker boss John Deacey more of an opportunity to set down his marker.

The Celts stayed out of the relegation zone with a positive result on Tuesday (1-1 against Altrincham) and Firbank spent most of Thursday evening in a briefing with West Yorkshire Police.

The demands of the Blue Square Premier go far deeper than regular non-league commitments but unfortunately the staffing levels remain the same due to financial constraints.

"The rest of the board and myself are still sifting through the applications so that we can formulate a shortlist to work from," said Firbank.

The Farsley chairman has recently negotiated a compensation payment from Port Vale after Lee Sinnott was tempted away to manage the Coca-Cola League One outfit.

Firbank also had dealings with Crystal Palace after Celts skipper Carl Serrant accepted a role as fitness coach offered by their new boss Neil Warnock.

Most people would still be attempting to catch their breath at this point but Firbank remains unflustered.

He said: "These things happen as football doesn't stand still for anyone. The amount of activity recently may have delayed us sitting down to discuss the CVs that have flooded in but there is no great rush.

"There is a long way to go this season. John got the best out of the squad the other night and is showing that the players respect him as much as they did Lee. John is doing his level best and the squad is behind him, which counts for a lot.

"Also, the York City job has just come up after they parted company with Billy McEwan, so we think a few of the people that applied for our job will also be sending their details in to York.

"The response after Lee left, which was not solicited in that we didn't advertise, was huge and the standard of applicant is very good. We will hold interviews but we won't be rushed."

Farsley have announced that their West Riding County Cup tie at home to Blue Square Premier rivals Halifax Town has been switched from this coming Tuesday to Saturday, December 1.

That means the neighbours will face each other three times within a month as the league clashes are scheduled for Boxing Day at Throstle Nest and the return at The Shay on New Year's Day.

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