By James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson)
Both were expected, but nevertheless it still sends out the message that Farsley mean business this year and want to make amends for a disastrous 2012-13 campaign.
O’Brien demonstrated his superb leadership skills towards the end of a season that Farsley struggled over the finish-line due to injuries and play availability.
The game at champions Skelmersdale showed his ability as a player and leader. Farsley were at a low ebb, but O'Brien kept encouraging the team and refused to give in, despite the score.
He is the right man to lead Farsley on the pitch and with Matty Young also confirmed to be joining from Worksop Town, that’s two quality central midfielders.
Steve Mallory and Ryan Harrison have also agreed to stay so manager Neil Parsley has four excellent midfielders at his disposal.
But, while the news of O’Brien’s capture and appointment as captain is fantastic, so is the return of Lee Ellington to Throstle Nest.
The Duke made his mark during his first spell with the club in the Conference North.
Despite the club being in administration, Duke agreed to stay and was an instant hit with supporters, volunteers and management.
His last minute winner against Vauxhall Motors in October 2009 lifted the club off the bottom of the table for the first time that season and into 14th.
That was one of many memorable moments which were tarnished by Mazars’ brutal decision to close the club in March 2010.
The Duke moved onto Harrogate Town where after scoring twice on his debut at Ilkeston Town (pictured above, his first goal for Harrogate), injury struck and he struggled to get in Simon Weaver’s side.
In the summer of 2011, Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick ended his long pursuit of Ellington by signing the striker and ensured he got one more Conference North goal-laden year out of the Duke.
For whatever reason, things didn’t work at Matlock Town last season and he was released at the end of April.
Parsley was straight on the phone and the locally-based hit-man has agreed to come back and help lead a Evo Stik Division One North play-off push.
He might be 32, but the Duke will be a threat to all teams. He can head the ball, score goals, take fantastic free kicks and can hold the ball up. He also has a point to prove from his spell at Matlock, which ended in acrimonious circumstances.
Farsley have made a great decision bringing the Duke back.
Also staying are goalkeepers Tom Morgan (pictured above) and Ben Higginson, along with defender James Riley.
Midfielder Brice Tiani, who struggled in the last ten games of the season, departs.
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