It is fair to say that the 2022-23 season will not be a campaign that will be remembered with great fondness by supporters of Crawley Town. Five different managers taking charge of the team at various points, an owner sitting in the dugout for one game and the director of football accidentally placing the entire squad on the transfer list whilst ‘testing software’ are just some of the things that have happened in a truly bizarre season which has left the West Sussex club fighting to avoid relegation all season.
However, a recent turnaround in results under the management of Scott Lindsey has been enough to secure the Red Devils their place in League Two next season, with Saturday’s goalless draw against Walsall being enough to guarantee their EFL status with one game to spare. With the team’s target now achieved, attention will now turn to the summer and what alterations need to be made to the squad in order to avoid another season of struggle next term.
One significant change going into next season is that Chris Galley will not be involved as it was announced last week that he had left his role as Director of Football and acting CEO. This news was greeted very warmly by fans as Galley has faced heavy criticism for the decisions he made during his spell, which also included selling Tom Nichols to relegation rivals Gillingham and removing Lewis Young from the club in November (despite a successful interim spell in charge) to replace him with Matthew Etherington, who was to only last three games before resigning. However, at the time of writing, there is no news yet in regards to which players will be remaining at the club next season or of any impending arrivals. In this article I will go over every player that is currently contracted to Crawley and give reasons as to why I believe Lindsey should retain them or not.
As all loan players are due to return to their parent clubs at the end of the season I have not included any in this article.
Goalkeepers
Corey Addai
Had a shaky start to the season which meant he was out of the first-team squad for a while once Kevin Betsy left the club. Was given a chance again though when Ellery Balcombe was recalled by Brentford and Glenn Morris moved to Gillingham permanently and has proved his critics wrong during a strong April where he has kept 4 clean sheets out of 7 games. The recent Tranmere Rovers match probably symbolises his campaign, a mistake early on gave Tranmere the lead but then redeemed himself by pulling off a crucial penalty save to earn a vital victory, with the fans chanting his name in celebration afterwards.
VERDICT- KEEP
Roshan Greensall
Has yet to feature for the club in two separate spells this season and his contract expires in the summer. Difficult to judge as have not seen him play yet but I think if the club is trying to go into the market for a new goalkeeper it probably would be best for him to play somewhere where he is more likely to play regular first-team football.
VERDICT- RELEASE
Defenders
Kellan Gordon
Signed in January from Mansfield Town, Gordon has proved to be a decent addition to the squad and it feels that he is finally the long term replacement for Lewis Young that the club had been looking for in the last few years. His crossing ability is very strong and is pacey but his defensive game does need some work, however at 25 he is still to reach the prime years of his career.
VERDICT- KEEP
Travis Johnson
The first signing made in last summer’s window, it was claimed that Crawley had ‘beaten competition from League One clubs’ to sign this right back, however he has often failed to convince fans that he is capable of playing at this level. Has shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks but his own goal against Hartlepool in December probably sums up his season accurately and I feel Lindsey can find a better player this summer who can provide Gordon with competition at right-back.
VERDICT- SELL
Dion Conroy
The former Swindon captain was another player signed last summer and despite having multiple spells out injured, he has been a valuable addition to the club with the majority of his performances since his former assistant manager at the Robins (Lindsey) arrived. Occasionally prone to making mistakes but has also rescued the team multiple times in recent weeks and has formed a solid partnership with Harry Ransom.
VERDICT- KEEP
Joel Lynch
Having not been with a club for over a year prior to his arrival in 2021 following a successful trial, Lynch had a strong first season at the club and it was no coincidence at the time that the team’s form usually dipped whenever he was unavailable. However, I think this season his performances have declined and the emergence of Harry Ransom has meant that he is no longer a first team starter. Would probably be best for both parties to move on this summer if there are clubs interested in his services.
VERDICT- SELL
Tony Craig
Veteran former Millwall and Bristol Rovers defender had a decent start to the campaign with a very strong performance against his former club in the EFL Cup which earnt Kevin Betsy his first win for the club. However since then he had looked off the pace on multiple occasions, most notably against Wimbledon in the league and Accrington in the FA Cup and he was later frozen out of the squad entirely before joining Dorking Wanderers on loan. The fact he did not feature in a matchday squad for over a month before the loan move strongly suggests that he has played his last game for the club and I think joining Marc White’s club on a permanent basis is the next logical step in his career, as the owner/manager of the National League club has regularly spoken highly of his performances in recent weeks.
VERDICT- SELL
Harry Ransom
Having spent all of last season on loan at Dover Athletic, the young centre-back has really come on leaps and bounds this season with his performances resulting in him winning the Young Player of the Season award. As mentioned earlier, he has formed a strong partnership alongside Dion Conroy in central defence and it is crucial that his contract is renewed (as it expires this summer) as along with his defensive abilities he has also shown leadership skills at times
VERDICT- MUST OFFER NEW CONTRACT
Ludwig Francillette
The Guadeloupean centre-back has not had the best of seasons, with poor performances against Walsall and Carlisle especially coming to mind. However he is still very young and has a lot of potential to fulfil, and his height and physicality does mean he is a useful player to have in the squad hence why I think his contract extension year should be triggered. His season was cut short in March as a result of a hamstring injury.
VERDICT- TRIGGER EXTENSION CLAUSE
Tobi Omole
Signed on a two-year contract after being released by Tottenham last summer, Omole’s season has been heavily disrupted by an ACL injury which limited him to four league appearances (and none after the away draw at Rochdale in August). However, he is expected to return to action in pre-season so the cliché of him feeling like a new signing to Lindsey pretty much applies here. Hopefully, we will be able to see what he can do more next season when he is fully fit, as his versatility in defence (can play as a centre-back, left-back or defensive midfielder) makes him another useful squad player
VERDICT- KEEP
Nick Tsaroulla
One of the club’s best players currently, Tsaroulla’s contract expires this summer although he does have an option for a further year which can be triggered. However, due to his importance to the team and his ability on the ball, I think it is crucial that Lindsey offers him a longer contract to better reflect his status. Hopefully, he will go through pre-season this summer without picking up a costly injury as it is no coincidence that him being unavailable contributed to Crawley starting the previous two league campaigns poorly.
VERDICT- MUST OFFER NEW CONTRACT
Brandon Mason
A member of the Coventry City team that won the League One title in 2019-20, this left back was signed after a successful trial, with his performance in a friendly against Queen Park Rangers getting praise from supporters. However since this he has flattered to deceive and has been kept out of the first team by Tsaroulla and Arsenal loanee Mazeed. If Tsaroulla does sign a new contract I think it is probably best if Mason moves on as he would likely struggle to get game time at a stage in his career where he needs to be starting games regularly.
VERDICT- SELL
Midfielders
Jack Powell
The former Millwall youth player has had a strong campaign, with highlights including a goal from the halfway line against Swindon, a superb free kick at Edgeley Park and a crucial winner at home to Tranmere Rovers. His performances have generally improved massively since the arrival of Ben Gladwin and it can be argued that he has formed a much more convincing midfield partnership with the former Swindon player than he did with Jake Hessenthaler previously. His efforts led to him winning the club’s Player of the Year award and he should be in Lindsey’s plans going forward due to his technical ability
VERDICT- KEEP
Ben Gladwin
Signed from Lindsey’s former club Swindon Town in January, the former QPR and Blackburn Rovers midfielder was made club captain days after joining the club. Probably the most successful out of all the players signed this season, his calmness on the ball and leadership skills have already made him a valuable asset to the team and has been badly missed whenever he has had spells out injured.
VERDICT- KEEP
Anthony Grant
The experienced Jamaican international was signed on a short term contract in late March effectively as a replacement for Jordon Mutch when the latter was ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury. Grant has proven to be a very solid addition to the squad and has put in a number of impressive displays, such as his efforts against fellow strugglers Colchester United which earnt him the Man of the Match award. Keeping him at the club for at least another year will only be a positive in my opinion.
VERDICT- RENEW CONTRACT
Jordon Mutch
Another player signed on a short-term deal, the former Premier League midfielder scored an impressive goal from outside the box to help secure a vital win against Harrogate Town, however injury has restricted him to just three appearances for the club. Due to his lack of fitness and the high wages he could command I feel it might be best to move him on.
VERDICT- RELEASE
Jake Hessenthaler
After having a reasonably successful first two seasons at Crawley, the central midfielder failed to live up to prior standards in the first half of this campaign and was frozen out of the team in late-December. Following the signing of Gladwin, Hessenthaler was then loaned to high-flying National League side Woking but has barely featured for the Cards. This, coupled with the fact that Gladwin appears to be a significant upgrade in midfield, suggests that the club will most likely be moving Hessenthaler on permanently this summer in order to get him off the wage bill.
VERDICT- SELL
Rafiq Khaleel
2023 has been a breakthrough year for the midfielder who came through the club’s Foundation Academy, with him impressing in his first professional league start against Salford City and later scoring a crucial equaliser at home to Doncaster Rovers. The 20-year-old clearly has a lot of potential and I think it is important that Lindsey offers him a new contract so that more of it can be fulfilled at the club.
VERDICT- OFFER NEW CONTRACT
Jack Roles
Signed from Woking on the same day Jake Hessenthaler moved in the other direction, it was hoped that Roles would provide quality in midfield especially after he had a successful spell at Cambridge United in 2019-20. However, he looked hopelessly out of his depth in the home thrashing by Carlisle United and his antics at Northampton Town a week later did little to endear himself to the fanbase. One of the players I feel the club needs to get off the wage bill in order to move on from this season.
VERDICT- SELL
Ben Wells
Another player signed following a successful trial last summer, but injuries have disrupted the former QPR youngster’s campaign which has limited him to ten appearances in all competitions. His contract does expire this summer, however, his versatility (he can play in defence and midfield) as well as still being relatively young at 23 means he could be worth keeping on as a rotational player if required, as I think he has shown the potential to be a very solid player at times this season.
VERDICT- OFFER NEW DEAL
James Tilley
Despite having a number of injuries which has disrupted his season, Tilley remains a popular player with the fanbase due to his long range shooting ability and his willingness to take on defenders. The former Brighton academy player won the GH Coaches’ Player of the Year award and is yet another player who is badly missed whenever he is unavailable.
VERDICT- KEEP
Jayden Davis
This 21-year-old midfielder was arguably the man of the match when he made his debut for the club in the shock League Cup victory over Fulham, impressing with his crossing ability in particular. Unfortunately, since this game his time at the club has been impacted by injuries and in March he was sent out on loan to Isthmian League club Lewes. Despite this, I do see a lot of potential in Davis and a decent run of games in pre-season could help him make a proper breakthrough next term (providing he is offered a new deal when his current one expires next month).
VERDICT- OFFER NEW DEAL
Florian Kastradi
The young Albanian midfielder has only made one appearance for the club since signing professional terms in December 2021, which was the last few minutes of an end-of-season fixture at Oldham Athletic in May 2022. Multiple loan spells have followed and unfortunately I do not see him breaking into the first team squad on a regular basis anytime soon so it is probably best to allow him to leave this summer when his contract expires.
VERDICT- RELEASE
Forwards
Ashley Nadesan
Having started his career at local non-league club Horley Town, Nadesan has been a fan’s favourite ever since joining the club back in 2019. He hit a great run of form during Lewis Young’s interim spell in charge (in which he scored 6 goals in 7 league games) and later scored the winner at AFC Wimbledon to secure a first away win in 11 months. Although his end product could do with improvement, his speed and ability to press down defenders is massively helpful hence why I would like to see him stay at the club for a few more years at least.
VERDICT- KEEP
Dom Telford
The top goalscorer in League Two last season, Telford was signed on a three-year deal last summer to much fanfare in what was widely seen as a major coup for the club. Although he hasn’t reached the same heights as he did the previous campaign with Newport, Telford is still the club’s top scorer in all competitions this term with 14 and his league tally of 11 is his second most prolific campaign. His season will probably be most remembered for his two crucial goals in the away win against Hartlepool that effectively secured survival (the second deservedly won the club’s Goal of the Season) and if Lindsey is able to use him effectively I feel next season could be a more prolific one for him.
VERDICT- KEEP
Aramide Oteh
Having been in and out of the team during the first half of the season, Oteh has evolved into a key player since Lindsey’s arrival. As well as scoring two goals against Harrogate and a superb solo effort vs Tranmere Rovers, he has also won praise from fans for his efforts in helping out the defence when needed and it could be stated that his absence through injury was felt badly during the goalless draw against Walsall.
VERDICT- KEEP
Kwesi Appiah
After making five appearances in the first month of the campaign, Appiah was surprisingly sent out on loan to Colchester United for the rest of the campaign in a move which was criticised by some sections of the fanbase as he was the club’s top scorer in the previous campaign. Injuries have affected his season and wherever he has a future at the Red Devils depends on how much the relationship he has with the club has been affected by the events of last summer. The departures of both Kevin Betsy and subsequently Chris Galley has probably increased the chances of him returning to the Crawley squad for next season, however this depends on if Lindsey sees him as part of his plans. I feel if Appiah wants to return to the club it will be worth keeping him as he offers something different to the club’s other forwards due to his ability to win headers (which has been something the team has lacked this campaign).
VERDICT- KEEP
Davide Rodari
Signed on a two-and-a-half-year deal from non-league club Hasting United in January 2021, the Swiss-Italian striker has struggled to get into the first team since his move into professional football and has had multiple loan spells in the last 15 months at various clubs in the National League South. Unfortunately for him, considering the options the club has in his position as well as the chance that they could go into the market for a centre-forward in the summer, I think his time at Crawley is likely effectively over and moving him on permanently in the summer is probably the best option for both parties.
VERDICT- SELL
Conclusion
Despite letting go of a number of fringe players in February and March in an attempt to reduce the wage bill, it is still clear that Crawley’s squad is a tad bloated considering the size of the club, the amount of revenue generated from matchdays and the B team being dormant for a few months now. Whilst a radical overhaul of players isn’t what the Red Devils need considering there has been a relatively high turnover in the last 12 months, moving a number of players who are unlikely to feature in Scott Lindsey’s plans off the wage bill will help massively in regards to freeing up funds which could be spent on making the signings that are required if the club is to avoid another campaign of struggle. Keeping hold of important and promising players such as Nick Tsaroulla and Harry Ransom is also crucial as well as appointing an experienced CEO to help run football matters more smoothly.
