FARSLEY joint manager John Decaey has been looking forward to today’s FA Cup tie since the third qualifying round draw was made almost two weeks ago.

The Celts will host Bishop Auckland at Throstle Nest and the visit of the Northern League outfit will evoke happy memories for him.

He said: “I loved it up there as a player and had some great times with the club.

“I was happily playing for Harrogate Town but Bishop Auckland came in for me with an offer the club were happy with so they sold me. I was the captain for three years and really enjoyed my football in those seasons.

“I think I was 27 when I went there and into my 30s when I left so it was a great age for me and probably the best time of my career, although I had already enjoyed some great years and then I went to North Ferriby United and played on for a lot of years.”

Deacey is enjoying working alongside his long-time friend after teaming up with Neil Parsley for a second time at Farsley. The club has got off to a terrific start to the campaign but Deacey, as has always been his way, is playing it down to keep the expectation off his players.

Deacey said: “I was helping out last season for a little time but I missed the last couple of months due to an illness in the family. I couldn’t commit enough time at that stage but thankfully things picked up.

“Neil and I have always kept in touch, even when we’ve been at different clubs in different leagues, and we got on well. I think it’s a good partnership.

"The lads have been on fire this season and it's going better than expected, although we knew we had a squad that is capable of challenging.

“But it's early days yet so we’re not getting carried away with it. We’ve had a very good start but that’s all it is – a start. There’s still a lot of football to play and a long way to go, so it’s all about maintaining the challenge.”