Football Season Guide

Max Watters still looms large over Crawley Town, despite having left for £1m back in January. His departure came days after knocking Premier League giants Leeds United out of the F.A. Cup with a remarkable performance at the Broadfield Stadium. It contrasts sharply with the disappointing end to the season that saw a defensively inept side finish mid-table in League Two. Solving the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the team is head coach John Yems priority this season. The Londoner is one of the more unique managers in the Football League; notoriously grumpy and difficult to please. He prophesised his own sacking towards the end of the last campaign but remains in the hot seat. Like many lower league clubs, the Red Devils struggle to hold on to their best players although it has been a very quiet summer so far. There haven’t been any notable departures and striker and leading goalscorer Tom Nichols is signed up for another season. Keeping hold of him will be key, learning the lessons from the sale of Watters. Owner Ziya Eren’s transfer policy continues, with young players, who have yet to prove themselves in the Football League, signed on long-term deals. It is starting to bear fruit with Nick Tsaroulla showing sparks of brilliance. It will be a big season for the young left wing-back. There will clearly be more transfer activity before the window closes and only then will we get some idea whether the Red Devils will be looking up or down this season.