FARSLEY Celtic are mourning the sad passing of former chairman and club stalwart John Palmer at the age of 86.

Palmer had been associated with the Celts for 50 years, having first got involved with the club having been asked to by a friend back in 1972.

In 2010, John, alongside his family and John and Dorothy Farrell, secured the future of football in Farsley after the demise of the original Farsley Celtic club, reaching a deal with Leeds City Council after they had bought back Throstle Nest from the administrators.

The club went on to return up the divisions and were promoted to National League North as Northern Premier League Premier Division champions in 2019, during his time as chairman.

Farsley director Rob Winterbottom told the club's official website: “I will personally never begin to underestimate what John Palmer has done for Farsley Celtic.

“John has been the life of the football club over many, many years and I am personally devastated by his passing.

“John gave a lot of his life to his football club and everyone connected with Farsley Celtic should be eternally thankful for that.

“I would like to send my condolences and that of all at Farsley Celtic to Margaret and all of his family at this time.

“John, to me, you’ll always be an unofficial member of my family. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”

Farsley will be holding a minute's silence in memory of John ahead of their FA Trophy third round clash at home to Chester tonight.