Hassocks manager Dave John has fired a broadside at managers who are cashing in on youngsters they have plucked from other clubs.

John said: "I was interested to read Horsham manager John Maggs' comments on his youngsters in the Sports Argus.

"He has put three youngsters on contract and hopes to make some money if they are sold on up the non-league ladder.

"I was wondering if they sell on Eddie French, who went to Horsham from us, whether we will get some money passed down to us!

"They didn't discover him, nor did they discover Stuart Hardy who came from East Grinstead. All they have done is bring in players by paying bigger money.

"It is the likes of us in the County League who bring on these players. We have a good youngster in Luke Flomo but I don't claim to have discovered him, he was at St Francis before us."

John is angry because he believes that higher league clubs in the Ryman and Dr Martens are claiming credit for discovering youth players when it is not their's to claim.

He added: "We played and beat Horsham's youth team 5-0 the other week.

"I wonder if these managers at these higher league clubs do go around watching their local players in action? I didn't see John Maggs there watching his youth side."

He added: "All these youngsters who go on always seem to have come from somewhere else.

"Clubs are always talking about putting them on contracts. It's all about the money and they are just hoping for a fee.

"I do wonder how many times that a club is after a fee and it puts clubs off."

Three Bridges are the early season crowd pullers.

In statistics produced by the County League, Three Bridges recorded an average attendance of more than 200 in the first four months of the season. They were the only team in the County League to top the 200-mark.

Bridges boss Darren Barker said: "With the ground improvements, it is a more comfortable place to come to now. The facilities are excellent.

"We are performing well this year. Crawley is a large catchment area and people are coming down to have a look. They are getting good entertainment and are therefore coming back."

The lowest average attendance in the County League is less than 50 at Arundel.

In Division Two, Seaford, East Grinstead and Eastbourne Town all averaged more than 100 spectators per game while Bosham and Storrington were the big turn-offs, with an average of less than 30.

Haywards Heath and Newhaven both averaged more than 80 fans per game in Division Three, with Upper Beeding not far behind. At the other end of the scale, Lingfield were the worst supported club with an average of 30.

Meanwhile, Three Bridges are hoping to have John Crumplin at the club for the rest of the season.

Crumplin, who was in charge at Bridges last season, has returned to the Jubilee Field as a player, although it is well known he is keen to get into management at a higher level.

Barker said: "Hopefully we will have him for the rest of the season because we need to tighten things up at the back."