FARSLEY Celtic have stunned supporters by announcing the shock departure of former Bantams striker Clayton Donaldson as head coach.

The decision comes with the club sitting 10th in the table and a point of the play-offs after winning three of their opening six matches. That is despite having to play their opening eight fixtures away from home due to work on the pitch at the Citadel.

Donaldson led the side to safety on the final day of last season following a 2-0 win against Buxton.

Director of football Pav Singh will now take over as manager with assistance from Chris Atkinson and Conor Branson.

An official statement read: “The club would like to announce the departure of Clayton Donaldson as head coach, along with his assistant head coach Danny Ellis.

“When making decisions of this kind, a large number of contributory factors are taken into consideration but ultimately the board works solely for the benefit of Farsley Celtic FC, its development and its future. That’s where our loyalties are and will always be.

“Danny and Clayton are both registered as players with the club, and we still retain that registration.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Danny and Clayton for their efforts and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

Donaldson, who was in his first management role at Farsley Celtic, made 55 appearances for Bradford City and scored eight times during a two-year spell.

The striker also had spells with Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham and Crewe among others before dropping into the non-league pyramid.

Farsley Celtic return to action this evening when they travel to Southport FC.