Priestley Decision to Stay is Good for Football

Twitter - @jamesAgrayson

The decision by Adam Priestley to reject the advances of Evo Stik Premier Division side Worksop Town is fantastic news for Farsley AFC fans, but also for football as whole.

It shows that there is still loyalty in football and not all players are totally motivated by money. Farsley, as a club, have seen players move on to other teams for £20 extra, but Priestley is different, he has chosen to stay loyal and stick with the management team that have improved him as a player.

As a Garforth Town last season, Priestley was not a regular starter, but with Farsley, he has started almost every game. And he has rewarded Neil Parsley with 22 goals so far. Alongside his goals, Priestley has worked on his technique and this has made him an all-round better player.

He is no soft-touch anymore. He can hold the ball up and not lose it. He is strong with defenders. He now gets back on-side quicker than he used to. I also think his shot to goal ratio is much higher this season. These are the type of attributes he needs if he wants to move higher up the football pyramid.

Priestley’s decision should be applauded. He has turned down a club throwing money around to stay at a club where he has a chance to develop his game. It doesn't happen often. And I’m sure he will reward Farsley with plenty more goals in the final couple of months to season when AFC are chasing a play-off place.