Bolton Wanderers Flop Joins League One Rivals

Muhammadu Faal has been unveiled as Crawley Town’s latest signing, joining the club on an initial six month contract according to their official website.

The move to the Sussex-based side represents a significant step-up for the forward, who joins after last playing for National League South side Maidstone United. A mid-season transfer from fellow sixth tier side Havant & Waterlooville would work out incredibly well for the 27-year-old, and he’d continue his form after a good first half of the season with the Hawks.

During his time with Maidstone, Faal would put up six goals and a further assist during the regular season as well scoring the last gasp winner in the Stones’ 2-1 win over Aveley in the play-off quarter-finals. The Kent side would however be knocked out by Worthing in the semi-finals, losing 2-1 but it was still a season of success for both the club and the player.

Faal is currently rebuilding his career after a failed move to Bolton Wanderers back in the January of 2020. His season-and-a-half spell with the Trotters would yield just two appearances in League One and it was a move which failed badly.

As a result, following his release in the summer of 2021, he’d drop all the way down to then-Isthmian Premier side Enfield Town. The had work that the Englishman has put in since then has brought some rewards and he’s now got another shot of playing in League One with newly promoted side Crawley.

Scott Lindsey’s side look firmly up against it after winning the League Two play-offs, however they were doubted last season as well and look at how that turned out.

Speaking to club media upon signing for Crawley, Faal said:

“I am buzzing to get the deal over the line. It has been something that I have been waiting on for a while now, so I am pleased to get it sorted. I have had lots of highs and lows in my career, but this is definitely the time for me to jump back into the EFL. I have gained a lot of experience throughout my career so I will be taking all of the lessons I have learned with me to Crawley.”

Writer’s View

This is a punt in every sense of the word by Crawley, however given they’ve only handed Faal a six-month contract, it’s perhaps less risky than first perceived. The forward will feel as if he’s got a point to prove after failing to take the opportunity at Bolton and we may well see a different player.

There’s plenty to admire about the character that Faal has shown to get back into the EFL, dropping as low as the seventh tier to restart his career. If he’s able to impress for the Red Devils in the first part of the season then he could well earn a longer contract.

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