Crowe calls on men to battle past '˜tough time'

Crowe took over the reins in 2011, but after the wet weather and a damaged drain culled a number of home matches over the winter and crippled the club financially, he says it is has been the biggest challenge he has faced at Brig.

The players have had to take a drop in wages, and Crowe says it is testament to the team spirit that none of the current squad have walked out on the club.

He said: “It has been the toughest season not just football wise but off the field too. It is a tough time.

“Nobody has left and that tells me one thing that the lads want to stick together and ride it out.

“Because we haven’t had any income in recent weeks there is nothing to go out. But every credit to the players the team spirit has not dropped.”

Back on the pitch Brig are set to host rock bottom New Mills at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium tonight.

Crowe’s men lost 4-1 at home to Witton Albion on Saturday and the Brig boss urged more people to come and cheer on his men tonight.

He said: “We were pretty poor to be honest against Witton.

“It was the worst performance since the start of December.

“But I know it was just an off day. We have only lost two in our last seven games and I am looking to bounce back and see a reaction tonight.

“New Mills have got nothing to lose. They have only picked up one point all season but at one point they are going to win a game.

“At Clitheroe they fought and scrapped for every ball so we have to be up for the battle.

“We will be boosted by the return of our captain and defender Matt Lawlor.

“He was missing on Saturday but he has been ever present all season and we missed him.

“I’d urge anyone at a loose end tonight to come down and watch us.”