FORMER Route One Rovers manager, Sohail Abbas has landed his next job.

His departure from the Bradford outfit was confirmed in May, which came as a major shock to most people in the semi-professional footballing world.

He had guided Rovers to an 8th place NWCFL (First Division North) finish in their first ever season in semi-professional football last term, while they only finished five points off the play-offs.

Abbas, the world’s first wheelchair-bound football coach in the able-bodied game, in the previous year, had guided Rovers to a historic Amateur League treble as well.

However, after taking some time out of the game, the former Route One boss has been handed a Performance Analyst and Recruitment lead role at National League North outfit, Farsley Celtic.

He will work alongside former player and coach, Gary Chapman.

Director of Football, Pav Singh stated: “I am delighted to have these two on board.

“Analysis and breaking down clips are their expertise and strength, as well as identifying young talent and players who fit our ethos.

“We think they’ll both be great additions to the club.”

Farsley commented: “Both Gary and Sokii have strong links across both youth and senior men’s football.

“For example, Sokii played a significant role in the development of Robbie Fox during his time at Silsden U23s before Robbie moved to Albion Sports where he became a big hit and will now wear the green and white of Farsley next season.”

Speaking to the T&A in an exclusive interview back in May, Abbas revealed that it was the right time to move on from Route One Rovers, a club who he had great success with.

He said: “Me, my coaching team and the club decided together that it would be good for us to part ways.

“It felt like the chapter had already been written and it was a case of thinking, what more can actually be done?

“I wanted to go in one direction and the club wanted to go in another, so our ideas didn’t quite align.”

Abbas added: “I felt like I wanted to really push on and try to get us moving up the leagues after having a successful first year in semi-professional football.

“However, it seemed the club were content with where they were at.

“For me, football is about moving forward and always wanting to improve. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the same vision as one another, so that’s why the decision came about.

“Realistically, it was best that we parted ways.”

Abbas also confirmed his desire to return to football in the near future when he said: “I’ve had a couple of offers along with my team since the announcement on Tuesday, but they weren’t ones that stood out.

“My next club has to be right for me, and the project will have to appeal to me. I want to continue on my journey and push through the divisions, so my choice will be very important."