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More Added to New-Look Farsley Group

Busy Vanarama National League North club Farsley Celtic have announced the arrival of several new signings ahead of 2023/24.

Sunday 28 May 23 I 17:24:12	I	Photo by

Pacey forward Darren Stephenson (pictured) has put pen-to-paper for Farsley. The Jamaican came through the youth system at Bradford City where he eventually made his debut. Renowned for his pace and power, Stephenson’s versatility allows him to play both on the wing as well as a forward. After having made his debut for Bradford City, he has also appeared for Southport, Chorley, Tranmere Rovers, AFC Fylde, Stockport County, Curzon Ashton and Chester FC. On the signing of Stephenson, director of football Pav Singh told https://farsleyceltic.com: “Darren is the kind of player all clubs want to have; power, pace, ability on and off the ball and an eye for goal. “We knew the striking combination we wanted, so we are delighted to have gotten that over the line. “Darren is a superb professional with a great attitude and dedication to the game. He is in superb condition and will hit the ground running. “His skill set gives us so many options in terms of tactics, passages of play and formations as well as being the perfect foil for Clayton Donaldson. “Darren is also a genuinely nice guy and his desire to come to the club made this a perfect deal all round for us!” Farsley have also signed defender Rudy Misambo. The 29-year-old most recently had spent a spell at Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division side Lancaster City. Having also represented clubs such as Hednesford Town, Spalding United and Redditch United before departing to the North West to play for Northwich Victoria and Prestwich Heys, Misambo is known for his strong physical attributes including pace and strength which makes him a commanding presence at the back as well being a threat from set pieces. Singh commented: “Rudy is a very talented player who will complement our squad very well. He skill set makes him the perfect partner for our other defensive minded players as he brings his own set of qualities and attributes to the squad. “Rudy gives us more flexibility, allowing us to look at new formations and new styles of play. He is also strong in one-on-one situations giving the players around him more freedom in their own game. “Rudy ticked all of the boxes in our defensive player analysis during our due diligence period, and we believe that with the quality of the management team and coaching staff we have in place we can develop him further into one of the best defenders in the league.” Singh also revealed the signing of Conor Branson from league rivals Alfreton Town. After initially coming through the ranks at Barnsley and appearing for Guiseley, Branson spent time in the United States playing for Charleston Gold Eagles and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC before coming back to England where he has since represented Bradford Park Avenue, Altrincham and most recently Alfreton. As well as holding a UEFA A license, Branson is known for his robust defending style and passing range which helps him operate not only as a defender, but a midfielder too. Singh said: “Conor’s playing record at this level and above is superb, he is a name that all fans at this level are aware of and undoubtedly would love in their team! “He is a strong combative, ball playing midfielder and defender, he has power, composure and a superb array of passing. His level of consistency as a top performer is testament to his conditioning and footballing brain. “When we first identified this as a position we were looking to strengthen, myself and the chairman both came up with the same name as our first choice. Not only will he compliment the other players in our squad, but he gives that security and reassurance with his performances that allows the other players around him to flourish.” Singh also announced the arrival of left back George Smith. The Barnsley born 26-year-old joins Farsley from Northern Premier League Premier Division side Guiseley AFC. He had joined the Lions in May 2022 from National League North outfit Darlington, where he had been since July 2021 after arriving from Gateshead. He had re-joined the Heed in June 2020 from then-National League side Harrogate Town, who he signed for from league rivals Chesterfield in June 2019. He spent the 2018/19 season with the Spireites, with loan spells at Dover Athletic and Boston United within that time. He has made over 50 appearances in the Football League having featured for Barnsley, Crawley Town, Northampton Town and the Spireites within the top four flights of English football. He started out with his home-town club Barnsley, signing a professional deal in 2014 and enjoying loan spells at Bradford Park Avenue and Crawley during his time at Oakwell. After leaving Barnsley, he spent a season with Gateshead, then League Two with Northampton, before signing for Chesterfield for the 2018/19 season. Singh added: “George is a top player, a true professional both on and off the pitch. He brings with him a wealth of experience at higher levels than this, and has an excellent understanding and reading of the game. “When we found out that George was available, myself and the chairman could not have moved any faster to make sure we secured his signature!”

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