There may be optimistic noises coming out of Throstle Nest but Farsley Celtic have been made the rank outsiders for the Blue Square Premier title.

They are 100-1, with Oxford United 9-2 favourites, followed by Stevenage Borough (5-1), and Torquay United and Exeter City (both 8-1). York are 11-1 and Halifax Town 28-1.

Farsley begins their pre-season fixtures on Tuesday with a low-key visit to Garforth Town but manager Lee Sinnott feels he still has much work to do formulating his squad.

The Celts are in the rarified atmosphere of the top rung of the non-league ladder having secured promotion last May.

Sinnott knows he has to strengthen his squad but there is no panic with the likes of Carl Serrant, Martin Pemberton and Andy Watson in the fold who have all played in the Football League before.

"Carlos and Pem both received insurance pay-outs after having their full-time careers ended by untimely injuries but they are allowed to play in the Blue Square Premier," said Sinnott.

"We are still negotiating with players, and most of those discussions have gone very cordially.

"But there are different things in the equation this time around. Having reached this level, we are buying in a different shop as it were.

"The types of player that have something to offer us are more interested now we have something that they desire - football in a national league.

"It is a bit of an eye-opener for the club as a whole but it is not all down to money.

"We have our targets but there is no get this that or t'other' by a certain date.

"I would still back the group of players who have brought us this far.

"Even after the season gets under way there will still be constant evaluation.

"There is much work to be done - 80 per cent of the teams we will be facing have the luxury of being full time. We also have some long journeys, with Oxford United, Exeter City and Torquay United to visit."

The Celts start their season at home to Stafford Rangers on Saturday, August 11.

They then visit likely promotion contenders Rushden & Diamonds and Cambridge United.