Co-managers working together as Farsley Celtic aim to tip Tamworth out of FA Trophy

There is a saying that too many cooks spoil the broth.

But Neil Parsley insists he and his Farsley Celtic co-manager John Deacey are in perfect sync ahead of their Buildbase FA Trophy third round qualfiying tie with Tamworth.

Parsley replaced Deacey as Farsley’s manager in 2008, two years before the initial club folded and the new one was reborn, but the pair came together in June – and they have steered the club to second in the Northern Premier League Division One North so far.

The Villagers have already gone further in The FA Trophy than ever before and have a chance of causing a second straight upset after they knocked out Northern Premier League side Barwell in the last round.

And Parsley, who had spells at Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion in his playing career, believes Tamworth will need to be at their best to knock his side out – such is their form since Deacey re-joined the club.

“I know it is different but we feel that the two of us coming together has made the club a lot stronger,” he said.

“I enjoy working with John and for me it is an eye opener because of the way he goes about things and his expert knowledge on players, so it is working really well.

“He enjoys winning like I do and the co-manager title fits the bill, because it is a team effort. We share duties, in terms of coaching we have a pattern of player and so it is easy to do.

"The players all know him from the non-League circuit and he is very popular. Him coming back has given us all a boost."

Tamworth, who sit two divisions above the Celts, are currently riding high in the National League North’s play-off places.

But Farsley added: “We have no pressure on us on Saturday and feel if we give it our best shot and play at our best then we could capitalise on Tamworth if they are not at their best.

“We have a lot of momentum with us and we enter the game full of confidence. If they are below their best then we can beat them.”

Buildbase FA Trophy History
This is the furthest Farsley Celtic have gone in the competition since the club reformed in 2010. Tamworth have plenty of FA Trophy experience, however, having reached the Final in 2003 – where they lost 2-1 to Burscough.

Did you know?
Farsley Celtic AFC made The FA Cup first round in 1974, where 11,000 people watched them at Leeds United's Elland Road as they lost 2-0 to Tranmere Rovers.

One to watch
Parsley boasts a strong squad at Celtic, but centre midfielder Nathan Turner is the glue which holds the side together. The 23-year-old joined the club from Bradford Park Avenue in the summer and he has since become pivotal to the team. Turner started his career at Leeds United and also played for Chester City before joining Avenue.

The prize
The winners will earn £4,000 and book a place in the next round – where the remaining 24 clubs from the National League enter the fray.