Brig boss looking to trim squad

The revelation comes after the club placed central midfielder Matty Kay on the transfer list.

The former Blackpool man was not in the 16-man squad for Brig’s clash at Warrington as competition for a place in Crowe’s starting XI hots up.

With ex-PNE player Paul McKenna, Joe Booth, former Burnley pro Nicky Platt and some of the youngsters from the reserves all in contention for one of the two central midfield spots, Crowe said the club has made the difficult decision to give the 26-year-old contracted player the opportunity to speak to other clubs about a move away from the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Crowe said: “Matty has played a big part over the last two and a half years, but football is football and footballer’s move on.”

He added: “Including three lads from the reserves we have a squad of around 22.

“I’m looking to trim it unless the right person becomes available.”

Brig assistant boss Neil Reynolds said Kay has been a ‘great servant’.

He said: “As one of the club’s top earners, we felt if he’s not going to be in the team, then a club of our stature cannot afford to keep him on the bench.

“He felt himself being out of the first XI that he wanted to go and play and we want him to play football.

“He’s been great servant for the club and it’s one of those difficult decisions that you have to make.

“He is a very experienced player, I hope he can get a move.”

Back to matters on the pitch, Brig host North West Counties side Daisy Hill at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium tonight.

The second round Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy clash could be called off if the rain continues to pour, but the boss is not underestimating his men’s lower league opposition.

He said: “Weather permitting, we will be hosting Daisy Hill tonight.

“I don’t know much about them, but we won’t be taking anything for granted.”

Brig lost 1-0 to Warrington Town on Saturday.

The Wire returned to the top of the NPL First Division North table, and Crowe believes his side deserved at least a point.

He said: “I thought we deserved at least a point.

“We switched off for 10 seconds at a free-kick, and it has cost us.

“It was always going to be a tough game.

“They don’t like playing against us.

“We created some good chances and we have to take our chances.”

After the midweek cup game Brig host local rivals Lancaster City at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Saturday, back in leagye action.

Brig are 13th in the table but have five games in hand on second-placed Glossop North End.

Crowe’s men now have four back-to-back home games and he hopes that home advantage can help them climb the table.

He said: “It is always a good game against Lancaster.

“I know their boss Phil Brown really well.

“It is a local derby and they like to play football like we do.

“We have got four home games on the trot and we want to try and put a run together and climb up the table.

“We have games in hand and we need to win them.”

Crowe’s only injury doubt is winger Alistair Waddecar, who is having a spell on the sidelines to recover from a knee injury.