LEWIS Young is making a strong case to keep the Crawley job on a permanent basis.

The Sussex side have won three of their four outings since he was promoted to interim charge following Kevin Betsy’s sacking.

A 2-2 draw at Colchester in midweek spoiled his perfect start but Young has steadied things after a wretched start that saw them pick up just six points from the first 12 games.

Former Arsenal under-23s coach Betsy paid the price for that as owners WAGMI United, the American crypto-investment group who tried to buy City last year, pulled the trigger.

Young was being interviewed for the job today before Crawley head north and co-owner Preston Johnson insisted his prospects would not rest on the outcome at Valley Parade.

“If we lose Saturday, it doesn’t take away from what he’s done,” said Johnson.

“We’re in no rush, he is doing a great job. Whether we win at Bradford or not doesn’t impact long term where we’re at.

“We’re going to be underdogs but I haven’t been surprised with anything Lewis and the guys have come up with in this four-game stretch.

“If we can pull off an upset similar to Mansfield or just get a point and we’ll be happy.”

Ashley Young’s younger brother is a Crawley stalwart and has been on the coaching staff since hanging up his boots before the start of last season. He made 240 appearances in seven years with the club.

Young has made no secret that he would love to keep the role full-time.

“I feel like I’m more than ready,” he said after last week’s win over Mansfield. “I’m excited for the prospect, so if it’s me that gets the job then brilliant.”

Ashley Nadesan has scored four times in the three league games under Young and the players are clearly right behind him.

“The atmosphere has been refreshing to be honest,” said midfielder Jack Powell. “Youngy has addressed the group with a perfect mix of enthusiasm, intensity but also a sense of care and understanding to what each player is capable of.

“That has bred a feelgood feeling among everyone. The main focus is always graft and to bring your personal qualities to the table.

“He understands how to develop the right culture within a team environment.”

Johnson confirmed that other experienced managers have already been spoken to about the vacancy. Solihull Moors boss Neil Ardley and former Welsh international Carl Robinson have been strongly linked by the bookies.

Eben Smith, another of the club’s American owners, flies in today to be at the City game. Johnson returned home last Sunday to begin treatment for a melanoma.

But he has offered some analytics-based advice to Young and the team about the Bantams.

“Bradford are really good this year and they play possession based,” he added. “I would say we need to be aggressive and press.

“The best way to attack them is similar to the Fulham match (which Crawley won 2-0 in the Carabao Cup).

“If we’re pressing up top and creating havoc it will give us opportunities in the final third.”