Taking a Bostik bow: Three Bridges

With the expansion of our League (and the alterations which the FA have made to the pyramid) we have a number of clubs who are entirely new to us, haven’t been part of our setup for rather a long time, or are returning to us after some time away. We decided that the best way to introduce- or to reintroduce- them to Bostik League supporters was through the eyes of one of their own.

On this occasion the supporter is Stuart Russell, and the club is Three Bridges FC.

How long have you been a supporter of Three Bridges?

This coming season will be my 6th as a Bridges fan.

Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?

Me and a mate had started going to non-league games and decided to give our local team a try…

And what is it about the club that has kept you there since?
We were made so welcome by everyone- by the board, the management, the players and the bar staff. We were not just supporters- we were a immediately made to feel part of the club.

What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

I usually get to club about half past one, have a few pints, and then stand by the dugout to cheer the boys on. After the game I head back to the bar for a few more pints, and to have a chat with the management, the players and the board. We’re all in it together.

Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

Winning the Sussex County League the season before I started going, to gain promotion to the Isthmian League for first time- although I can’t really say our supporters talk about it all that much!

For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

We have the clubhouse at one side of the ground with a small 50 seat stand next to it, and standing along the rest of the touchline. At the other side we have the main stand, 100 seats and the dugouts with- again- plenty of standing room too. Both ends are open, and we have a car park inside the ground with parking behind both ends.

If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

Three Bridges station is 5 minute walk & as mentioned there is a car park in the ground with plenty of spaces.

Are there any local sights or amenities you’d recommend they visit? Tourist attractions, pubs etc?

The best local pub is the Snooty Fox directly opposite Three Bridges Railway Station. Tourist attractions? Three Bridges is in Crawley which is hardly a tourist attraction unless you like shopping, but the town centre is a five minute drive/five minute train ride/twenty minute walk. If you want to bring the family for a day out Tilgate Park is nearby, treetop walks, zip wire rides, a café, children’s play area, walled garden, Smith & Western restaurant, boating lake and golf course.

Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?

A pint from the clubhouse will go down well. It’s spacious, comfortable,and the staff are friendly.