Farsley Celtic will have a new match-day secretary for their first season in the Conference - the newly-named Blue Square Premier Division - after drafting in an experienced foot soldier who is no stranger to the role or the area.

Alan Hirst has been appointed after leaving Bradford Park Avenue towards the end of last season.

He was more involved with the day-to-day running of Avenue but is looking forward to helping the Celts in any way he can.

"I'm highly delighted. I got a call last week and bobbed along for an interview and ended up getting the job. I couldn't be happier," said Hirst.

"It is something similar to what I did at Avenue but I had a more overseeing role there, helping the club tick over.

"This is more working towards the smooth running of match days and making sure the criteria is filled."

Secretary Keith Huggins stepped down at the end of last term to have a well-earned rest and spend more time with his family.

Josh Greaves was promoted to club secretary, at the tender age of 18 the youngest in the division, after two years of service.

That left an opening and chairman Andy Firbank was keen to fill it with someone who had multi-skills to offer.

"I am here to give young Josh a hand. With his enthusiasm - anyone who has met him will know what I mean - and my experience I feel we will make a good team that can cover every base. The fixtures came out last Tuesday so we have been up at the club in a meeting to organise things.

"With visits to Oxford United, Exeter City, Torquay United and a host of London clubs coming along, I'm really excited about it.

"I have been made to feel very welcome at Farsley Celtic and, of course, I know a lot of the players - Ryan Crossley, Carl Serrant, Chris Stabb, Simeon Bambrook and others.

"The Bradford City friendly game will be a trial run of how we work things on a match day and I can't wait to get started.

"I have a lot of good friends at Avenue and I will miss them but this is an opportunity for me to further my ambitions."