BIG INTERIEW: Brig boss Neil Reynolds

It is rather apt then that the new Bamber Bridge manager will implement the footballing model used by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp during his own managerial reign at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Reynolds was installed as Brig’s new manager last week after the shock resignation of previous boss Neil Crowe.

The former Clitheroe and Kendal Town midfielder is almost part of the fixtures and fittings at Irongate after enjoying three spells with the club as both a player and coach.

For the past five-and-a-half years, he has worked as Crowe’s assistant – helping the club to reach two play-off finals in the NPL First Division North.

While working in close quarters with Crowe over that period of time, Reynolds admits that he has agreed with many of the former manager’s footballing principles.

But, as he is quick to point out, he has his own ideas and will very much be his own man as he looks to build a successful future for Preston’s biggest non-league club.

“I have learned so much over the last five years,” said Reynolds.

“Neil gave me a lot of responsibility when we worked together and I will always be grateful for that.

“In a way, I will miss being the No.2 to Neil Crowe.

“We have had lots of highs – and lows.

“I think getting to two play-off finals was a massive achievement

“The FA Cup game against Chorley a couple of years ago was a massive occasion for the club.

“We also had some tough challenges.

“I think I will miss sitting in the clubhouse with him until 12 o’clock at night after a midweek game, talking how we can take the club forward.

“We spoke about our style of play a lot to be honest.

“Crowey will tell you that I watch a lot of football off the ball, not just when we have the ball.

“I like to look at our defensive shape and midfield shape and the way we work without the ball. A lot of what Neil used to say, I wouldn’t disagree with.

“He favoured a passing style of play but also expected the team to work hard just as hard when they didn’t have the ball.

“I want my teams to press all over the park and work hard off the ball, but when they are on the ball to relax and enjoy themselves.

“No player of mine will ever be lambasted by me for attempting a pass and giving the ball away.

“But they will hear from me if they are not working hard enough or not getting their shape back when they haven’t got the ball.

“I suppose my style is a bit like what Jurgen Klopp does at Liverpool with his pressing style of play.

“My team’s identity will be all about pressing teams.

“At the moment, I would say we are not fit enough, but we will get fitter and that’s what I will be doing in training.

“Don’t get me wrong, there will always be a time to play and time not to play and to be fair that is what myself and Crowey always believed in.

“We are not going to pass the ball just for the sake of passing it, but I like to pass.

“There was a time during the game on Tuesday against Marine when we strung together 30-odd passes.

“I want to keep the ball, keep in possession of the ball as much as possible.

“But if there is the opportunity to get it forward and play in the final third then I want us to do that.”

A student of the game, Reynolds will leave no stone unturned in a bid to give his team the edge over their rivals.

Having worked under some of the best local non-league managers in non-league during his 20-plus year playing career, Reynolds has a wealth of experience to call upon.

But he is also not averse to applying some of the techniques used by the greatest manager