In a statement published on their website today (17th April 2023), The Crawley Town FC Supporters Alliance (CTSA) has announced that they no longer have confidence in current Co-Chairmen, co-owners Preston Johnson and Eben Smith, or the interim CEO, Chris Galley, following their April Meeting of the Board, held yesterday. The open letter cites poor decision-making across the club, over the last 12 months, which has contributed to the club’s ‘decline’, and their current league position of 23rd.
The CTSA calls on WAGMI United, as the owners (founded by Johnson and Smith), to immediately replace Johnson, Smith, and Galley, and invites them to discussions so they can mutually “achieve their common objective, which is the success of Crawley Town Football Club“. Wagmi United completed the takeover and purchase of controlling shares in Crawley Town in April 2022. Founded by Johnson and Smith, Wagmi spoke at the time about accountability and transparency in the club and involving the club’s fans in decision-making. Their ambition was to get to League One by the end of their second season. Given their current league position, that goal may already be unattainable as relegation to the National League is looming.
In August 2022, Chris Galley was appointed as Director of Football and interim CEO. Previously Head of Pro Services as StatsBomb, his background was in data analysis for player recruitment, strategy, and tactics, and he had not previously managed football operations at this level. The appointment has been widely criticised, particularly the release of Tom Nichols to Gillingham, and mistakes involving transfer list software where the entire squad was accidentally listed for transfer.
By contrast, the CTSA state that they fully back manager Lindsey and the players as they attempt to avoid relegation. Crawley meets Colchester United tomorrow night at Broadfield, and relegation rivals Hartlepool on Saturday 22nd April. Their win on Saturday against Tranmere was their first in five games, giving them valuable points in their bid to avoid relegation, and fans are crediting Lindsey with the team’s recent improved form.
Writer’s View
Crawley fans will receive this news with immense relief, but also a great deal of frustration as near the end of the season still at risk of relegation, and facing one of the biggest weeks in recent memory. The timing is no coincidence though – the April Board Meeting marks 12 months since the takeover, and the Board will have been well aware of their responsibilities in terms of following due process. With Lindsey’s recent successes there will be some confidence starting to grow, and taking action now will ensure that new stewardship is in place in time for decision-making over the summer transfer window.
