Football Season Guide

Last season was something of a struggle for Crawley Town as head coach Gabrielle Cioffi got to grips with his first role in senior management. Finances are tight at the Broadfield Stadium and Cioffi’s eccentric managerial style wasn’t too dissimilar to that of Ziya Eren’s ownership. Nevertheless they avoided a relegation battle and will head into the new season with an air of unpredictability. The Red Devils have an unorthodox transfer policy; bringing in young players who have yet to prove themselves in the Football League. Centre-back Jordan Tunnicliffe arrives having impressed at AFC Fylde whilst midfielders Jack Powell and Nathan Ferguson spent last season at Maidstone United and Dulwich Hamlet respectively. Cioffi returned to former club Birmingham City to capture midfielder Beryly Lubala whilst their biggest coup of the summer so far is signing local boy Ashley Nadesan, with the striker having enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Carlisle United last season. The return of Captain Jimmy Smith from a long-term knee injury is a huge boost but last season’s leading goalscorer Ollie Palmer’s future remains in doubt having expressed his unhappiness at the club. Cioffi could still add to a squad that looks to have a good balance of experience and potential and they will be hoping to improve on last season’s showing.