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David Stockdale retired from football at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, leaving York City after a storied EFL career.
The 39-year-old played for multiple clubs over the course of 21 years, including Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday and for the majority of his time on the pitch, Brighton & Hove Albion.
It’ll feel a long time ago since he was playing for the Owls, who still have not paid all their players, and he is now in his second job in management.
However, Farsley Celtic, his current club, have had major financial difficulties in recent years and they are currently playing their home games away from the village. Yet, there is a reprieve for the Yorkshire outfit, and Stockdale is playing his part.
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David Stockdale agrees to buy Farsley Celtic
Farsley have had a tumultuous time in the last year or so, and after suffering relegation from the National League North at the end of last season, supporters may have been fearing the worst.
However, Stockdale and his family have agreed to buy the club that he manages, with a deal to acquire 100% of FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd, a company that owns the land that their home ground is on, going through.
In a statement, the non-league side wrote (via: farsleyceltic.com): “The club can confirm that the Stockdale family has agreed with the major shareholders to acquire 100% of FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd.
“The formal completion of the purchase is subject to final legal technicalities. The club will provide further updates in due course.”
- READ MORE – Barry Bannan makes firm decision on Sheffield Wednesday future as players still wait for payment
Other former footballers to purchase clubs in England
While Stockdale has made a move for a side outside the EFL, he is not the only ex-player to have become a shareholder or owner of a football club in England.
Luka Modric now has a stake in Swansea City, shocking supporters by purchasing a minority share of the Swans in May.
Elsewhere, Gary Neville and David Beckham front Salford City after leading a purchase by a consortium of the League Two outfit last month.
Former Arsenal right-back, and current Real Betis man, Hector Bellerin, has a stake in Forest Green Rovers. The Nailsworth-based club are currently playing in the National League after back-to-back relegations from League One to the fifth tier in 2023 and 2024.