Crawley v Grimsby Preview

By: Alex Green
Date: 12/08/2010

WELL the summer was a laugh wasn't it? I was under the assumption it was still here but apparently not; because before I have chance to breath after a pathetic World Cup I have to worry about this Grimsby rabble.

I've got over the mourning, the anger and so forth. Relegation was inexcusable and I'm slightly disappointed that certain people at the top weren't held more to account. Though the finger of blame passed over Fenty all too briefly those who occupy the board aside from him got away without too much questioning.

Alas that’s done and a new season awaits and though many think we've hit rock bottom I prefer to think of it as our unplugged album our Masterplan to their What’s The Story Morning Glory. Though the majority love the latter and they should those who really know love Masterplan far superior a little less known and of course it’s an album redeeming the wilderness years. This is where our club will hopefully find it self. It will find a structure that works, treat the fans with a little more respect, work together with the community and of course most importantly find success on the pitch.

Which is where the first opposition in Crawley comes into view. A town feeding the commuter belt of London also cosies up next to Gatwick Airport. Which is where those big flying metal dragons come from apparently. But still the town is hardly known for its sporting endeavours or for much actually and now without much help from soccerbase now we have gone all unplugged. I got a Crawley fan to help us with deciphering this new club to appear on our radar.

Their History

Largely uneventful from 1896 to 1991 when we then reached the 3rd round of the FA Cup (losing to local rivals Brighton). The last 19 years has seen a promotion, two spells of administration and a new stadium.

Last Season was...

Better than expected. We survived on a squad of 16 players and a small budget and finished in 7th.

This Season is...

Looking good. Our squad features the best of the conference mixed in with players brought in from league 2,1 and the championship that would have still been there had we not come in for them.

Your thoughts on Grimsby...

A traditional well thought of league team that has hit upon rough times. We have a mutual interest in your former player Thomas Pinault who left us in the summer. Apparently he said that Grimsby smelt of fish, which is unsurprising for a town by the sea.

You're Most Proud of...

Simply being here to compete.

The Future Is...

Very promising. Lots of new investment and all the fans pulling in the same direction. After our flirts with administration, it's nice to look forward to the season thinking we could actually achieve something based on the quality of the squad rather than a bit of luck or yet another team going out of business.

What Should we Expect from the Conference...

Lots of physical games and some poor pitches with even worse referees. Your experience with Bath in the FA Cup last season is a good indication that nothing should be taken for granted and that the impossible is always likely. When you're standing in the away end at Hayes on a Saturday afternoon in November, and you have more supporters than the opposition, Scunthorpe seems not such a bad place after all.

Key Player Is...

Matt Tubbs. Quick, deadly and...well just ask Luton, Wrexham, York, Kettering, Cambridge etc etc who he scored against last season.

Prediction...

Our home form the past three seasons has been good and we have an excellent record against the top sides (including Luton!). 2-1 to Crawley.

Thank you to Gavin Green for the answers.

Crawley’s Dealings

Crawley just yesterday had a bid rejected for Danny Kedwell from AFC Wimbledon. The Dons captain was voted their player of the season and offered up 20 goals for the South London side last campaign so naturally the Dons wish to keep hold of their most influential player for their promotion push. So while rumours of financial problems resonate from Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium the club sees no problem in splashing the cash, bids for a £200,000 unnamed League Two midfielder (Danny Boshell maybe?) have been offered while another bid was rejected for Scottish winger Willie Gibson which was in the region of £150,000. Though these bids were all rejected or are in the process of been decided. The Red Devil’s were successful in snaring the capture of impressive Argentinean midfielder Sergio Torres. Torres is no stranger to the Mariners and his signing which saw off several league clubs won't have come cheap for the small club. He was joined by former Rotherham captain Pablo Mills. All in all Crawley may have the dodgiest manager on the face of the planet since the Ronnie Biggs select XI but Crawley have built a talented squad with the money they have acquired sure to challenge anyone in this league

Crawley’s Pre Season.