Young goalkeeper Brendan Cropley from Boston, Lincolnshire made a number of appearances for the Youths and Reserves during seasons 1996/97 and 1997/98. He even travelled to Wolves as cover for Bryan Gunn on one occasion. However he was not been taken on by the club due to the fine form of rival youth team keepers Robert Green and Steve Scullion.

Brendan then attended Loughborough University. As well as being the first choice keeper for the England Universities side, Brendan joined nearby Hinckley United. The Non League Paper reported on 29th September 2002 that Brendan had played the previous day for Merthyr Tydfil in their 5-0 FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round defeat at Bath City.

Brendan left Merthyr to play for Afan Lido, Bridgend Town and briefly played for Bryntirion Athletic of the Macron Welsh League Division One.

He then studied for a Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Sport Psychology and subsequently fulifilling his duty to the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) by playing for them in the Macron Welsh Division 1. As well as representing English Universities (1999 - 2000), Brendan has played for the Welsh Universities (2005 - 2007) in the British University Championships.

In the summer of 2007, Brendan signed for Bridgend as did Josh Collins, Michael Parkin, Kristian Hanbury (all Cwmbran Town), Geraint Frowen (Pontypridd Town), Thomas Billings (Haverfordwest County) Paul Carro (Dinas Powys) and Raith Plant (Ton Pentre).