The Non-League Man City

History and Background

Founded in and around Crawley in 1901, Three Bridges have had a long history within the non-league pyramid. A few key moments within their history include multiple promotions from the Sussex County League Division Two and winning the Sussex County Cup in 2012. More recently the club joined the Isthmian League’s in 2012, the club stagnated in Step 4 for five seasons before relegation in 2017. Current chairman Paul Faili brought “the bridges” back up at the first time of asking before handing the reins over to club icon Jamie Crellin.

The Gaffer

As mentioned, the man in currently charge is Jamie Crellin who was appointed as manager in 2021 at the age of 29 years old making him one of the youngest managers in England. Crellin is seen as a club icon, joining the club as a player in 2014 from fellow Sussex non-league side Hastings. He went onto make over 100 appearances for “the bridges” and captained the club across 4 seasons before an unfortunate ankle injury ended his career prematurely. Crellin’s start to management has been on a gradual upwards trajectory with “the bridges” finishing in the bottom half of the table in his first two years, however they are now on course for three top half finishes in a row, two of which have been in the play offs.

This Season

This season Crellin’s side have hit another gear, destroying most of what has been in front of them. At the time of writing “the bridges” sit eleven points clear at the top of the Isthmian South East –currently averaging around 2.42 point per game with a 77 percent win rate. In the final third Crellin’s side lead the league for goals having scored a whopping 97 goals, 15 more than the second place AFC Whyteleafe on 82. The bridge’s defence have also put up some decent numbers conceding only 31 goals the best in the league, this consistency currently has them on a +66 goal difference over double of second place (in league) Croydon. Outside of league action Crellin’s side knocked out Horsham in the Sussex County Cup a team that not only are top half in Step 2 but also hadn’t lost in the SCC in 2 years.

Tactical Analysis

In terms of tactical nous, Crellin sets his team up in a 4-3-3 shape with one holding midfielder and two further eights, in possession they look to play through the thirds creating an overload in the midfield by right back Dan Ferrira tucking into the middle of the park and demanding the ball to create 4vs3 or 4vs2 situations. Furthermore, Crellin’s approach towards the game is to be utterly fearless, they look to be extremely aggressive when going forwards at time becoming a front six and doing whatever it takes to enter the opposition’s box. The bridges have become a serious problem due to their ability to switch between a possession-based game and a more direct game, their ability to play at the back enables them to more clinical when playing directly into front three. Both centre backs are able to hit longer passes into the channel with consistent effect and the size of frontman Noel Leighton enables the ball to be played into him and the two eight and wingers to play off of him. Crellin’s fearless approach means high risk high reward, when building they play out the back whenever possible which has led to some mistakes if the opposition press them high, however Crellin’s has been able to increase his side’s ball speed which has meant if the press is beaten it’s almost impossible to stop them.

Key Figures

Sam Bull

After coming through the Eastbourne United academy Bull chose men’s first team football over the lower end of the academy game. A move to fellow Sussex side Lancing provided Bull with regular minutes and exposure to the men’s game, Bull moved to “the bridges” at the start of last season and currently has played the joint most games this season (31). Bull is not the tallest CB but complete and composed on the ball and is able to read the game well and his ground defending is some of the best at this level.

Ade Adeyinka

A player I refer to as the anchor of the Bridge’s side, a workhorse of a player who has excelled under Crellin this season. Adeyinka does the hard yards to enable the team to function at full effect, he’s the Moussa Dembele, the N’golo Kante, the Micheal Essien of this level. Adeyinka is a Rolls Royce, he presses aggressively to win the ball back and transitions it up the pitch all whist having a creative eye. 11 league goals from the base of midfield is impressive stuff for a lad who was playing step 6 last season.

Reece Hallard

Reece Hallard is the ultimate goalscoring and creating winger at the time of writing Hallard sits on 29 goals in the league. Hallard is a real force not only is he pretty quick but he’s also a pretty big unit, he’s been able to be so effective in recent season due to his direct nature. Hallard always wants to take on defenders with his aim to cut in and shoot or deliver a cross for target man Leighton. Can’t see why a team higher up the ladder wouldn’t be looking at Hallard this summer, definitely could see him taking two steps up.

What’s Next……

Naturally, due to the form this season and the young age of Crellin’s squad there will be interest from higher levels not just in the squad but also in Crellin. I believe if the club can keep Crellin then they have to trust him to be able to plug with developing talent due to the impending departures of player like Hallard and Adeyinka. I further believe in their current ability, I do think Crellin’s’ side could challenge in and around the top half of the Isthmian Prem (Step 3). But with the league title on the horizon, it will be interesting to see the development around and within the football club in the coming months. Definitely one to keep an eye on and be excited for……

Thank you for reading!