Tomorrow sees the opening weekend of fixtures in the 2016/17 Evo-Stik League First Division North, with the Celts hosting Colwyn Bay.

It has been a busy summer at Throstle Nest with changes both on and off the pitch. Assistant Manager Lee Connor resigned before a ball was kicked, which meant a review of the management team, with John Deacey taking up the position of joint-manager with Neil Parsley.

In terms of the playing staff, Farsley have strengthened in all areas with seven additions, including goalkeeper Graeme McKibbin, defender Luke O’Brien, midfielders Richard Marshall, Nathan Turner, Peter and Alex Davidson, and striker James Walshaw.

Departing the club over the summer were, Lewis Sugden (moved to USA), Lewis Nightingale (Darlington), Tom Taylor (Brighouse Town), Jake Lofthouse (Harrogate Railway on dual registration) and Robbie O’Brien who retired. With O’Brien departing, Paddy Miller has been handed the captain’s armband for the new season.

The Celts had a successful preseason with five wins and a draw as the new-look squad was put through its paces. Richard Marshall who signed from Bradford Park Avenue, summed up the feeling of the squad ahead of the game against Colwyn Bay:

“Pre-season has gone well - the main thing was to get the fitness in the bank. For me staying unbeaten in those games will stand us in good stead in terms of mental toughness and not wanting to lose whatever the situation.

“Saturday can’t come quick enough now. The squad just want to start getting in a rhythm as early as possible so that it gives us a great grounding for the rest of the season. A good start is vital.”

Having suffered two successive relegations, Colwyn Bay have also been busy in strengthening their squad with forward Danny Andrews (signed for a four-figure fee from Witton Albion), Will Jones, Adam Whitlock and Scott Bakkor moving to the Welsh club.

The Seagulls endured a mixed pre-season with four wins, two draws and three defeats, the most recent result being a 1-0 defeat to Rushall Olympic last Saturday.

With the Bay being tipped as title favourites and the Celts having promotion aspirations of their own it could well be a classic to mark the opening of a new season.