Crawley Town manager Rob Elliot has praised striker Will Swan for his relentless effort, despite his difficulties in front of goal during their 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.
Swan’s Impact This Season
Swan, who arrived from Mansfield Town last August, has been a key player for the Reds this campaign. Featuring in 33 of the club’s 36 league fixtures, he has established himself as Crawley’s top scorer, netting seven times while also providing three assists.
Recently, he has been deployed in a wider role, but against Charlton, he was tasked with leading the line as the lone striker. However, he found it tough to capitalise on the crosses delivered into the box and struggled to get his efforts on target.
Elliot’s Verdict on Swan’s Display
Despite the lack of goals, Elliot was full of admiration for the 23-year-old’s commitment and determination.
“I thought Will [Swan] was brilliant. He put his body on the line. He worked so hard and he had a couple of opportunities that I think on another day he gets the contact right.
The Crawley boss also highlighted the unseen work the forward puts in for the team.
“He might not have the highlights, he might not look like it, but he does the most work for the team. Every single week he gives everything and he’s been a real credit.”
Despite the defeat, Elliot’s comments suggest Swan remains an integral part of Crawley’s plans as they push towards the season’s climax.
Will Swan Career
Swan joined Nottingham Forest’s academy at 13 and gained experience on loan at Truro City in January 2020, where he impressed with nine goals in as many games. Returning to Forest, he earned a first-team debut under Chris Hughton in November 2020 but found opportunities limited. A loan move to Port Vale followed in February 2021, where he scored once in ten appearances.
In July 2022, Swan joined Mansfield Town on loan, finishing as the club’s top scorer with ten goals despite missing part of the season due to injury. He signed permanently in May 2023 but struggled initially before regaining form. His performances in early 2024 earned him a Player of the Month award, and he contributed ten goals as Mansfield secured promotion.
On 30 August 2024, Swan signed a two-year contract with Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee.
Writer’s View
While Swan’s performance against Charlton might not have been his most effective, his contribution to the team cannot be understated. Elliot’s unwavering faith in the striker reflects his value beyond just goals, and with better service, he could play a vital role in Crawley’s push to climb the table.
