How Crawley Town's squad is shaping up ahead of the 2025/26 season
Crawley Town will kick off their League Two campaign against Grimsby Town in under one month's time, and the Reds' squad is beginning to take shape.
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In previous summer transfer windows under WAGMI, Reds fans have seen wholesale changes to the squad, and this one has been no different.
Scott Lindsey said last month (June) that he hoped to recruit a balance of experienced additions and hidden gems.
"We're trying to bring in players with experience. We want to add to what we have done already, but we're also mindful that we can't just keep doing that—we've got to also find some hidden gems," he said.
"The data model is important, but it must be coupled with getting eyes on players, making sure that we think they can fit into the way that we play."
Crawley fans have already seen eight new arrivals at Broadfield Stadium, along with multiple departures from the club. Here is how the squad currently looks in full:
Goalkeepers
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Harvey Davies
The 21-year-old has signed a season-long loan with the Reds from Liverpool and is expected to start most games, according to Scott Lindsey.
Davies spent last season training with Liverpool's first team and was included in seven matchday squads but did not make an appearance.
The shot-stopper arrives with prior League Two experience, having played 32 times for Crewe Alexandra in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, keeping eight clean sheets.
Speaking about the signing, Lindsey said:"He's really comfortable with the ball at his feet, so he'll be able to make passes from deep areas and from the back, which is how we like to play.
"He's a very established keeper as well—a good shot-stopper—and he's a big lad as well."
Jojo Wollacott
Wollacott struggled to make a lasting impression last term as he battled injuries, especially toward the end of the season.
The 28-year-old joined the Reds at the start of their League One campaign from Scottish side Hibernian FC and is contracted to the club until June 2026.
However, it looks like the Ghana international's place in the starting XI could be under threat from new signing Davies, who has been tipped to become the number one shot-stopper this season.
Wollacott made 36 appearances in all competitions last season, keeping four clean sheets, but was not involved in any of the last five matchday squads.
With his playing time in jeopardy, he could favour a move away from the club in search of more regular football.
Ryan Sandford
He is yet to make an appearance for Crawley since joining in January 2024 but did suffer a knee injury that sidelined him for the entirety of last season.
Sandford currently has 31 career appearances to his name, all coming in the National League and National League South for various clubs such as Maidstone United, Dartford, Dover Athletic, Dorking Wanderers, and Weymouth FC.
Defenders
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Charlie Barker
Barker was a hidden gem signed at the start of last season from Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old started the first nine games on the bench, but injuries to Conroy, Mukena, and Flint resulted in him being handed opportunities in the starting XI.
After impressing, he soon cemented his place in the Reds' backline and made 39 appearances in League One, scoring once and providing one assist. The defender was also handed the captain's armband on numerous occasions.
His standout performances earned him Crawley's Player of the Season award and marked him out as one to watch for the future.
However, he could be on the move this summer, with Rotherham United interested in the defender. No deal has been agreed as of yet.
Josh Flint
Signed at the start of last season from Dutch side FC Volendam, fans were unsure what to expect from the former Portsmouth academy player.
Any worries were soon put to bed, with Flint impressing on his debut in the opening-game win against Blackpool.
His strong form quickly made him one of the first names on the team sheet before an injury against Northampton Town disrupted his season.
The 24-year-old missed four months of the campaign—from November to March—before playing a further four games until his campaign ended early in April.
Overall, he made 20 appearances for Crawley last season and looked promising every time he played.
Ben Radcliffe
He joined the club in January from Derby after his loan spell at Gateshead—where former boss Rob Elliott had previously managed—was cut short.
Upon signing, he made 14 appearances out of a possible 15, where he was defensively solid as a left centre-back.
After Elliott's departure, Lindsey opted to use other options in defence, and the 21-year-old managed just two minutes in his next five games.
He ended the season strongly, playing every minute of the final four matches and will be hoping to continue to impress Lindsey in pre-season ahead of the new campaign.
Joy Mukena
After only being given a handful of chances the season before, when Crawley were promoted via the League Two play-offs, Mukena was given more opportunities at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
The defender played the opening 11 games of League One in the centre of defence and, for the most part, was very good aside from a few mistakes.
His best performance came in the EFL Cup against Premier League opposition Brighton & Hove Albion, where he kept the Seagulls' attacks at bay for most of the game.
However, his season was cut short after he picked up a knee injury in January that kept him sidelined until the end of the season.
His contract was due to expire at the start of July, but the club offered the 26-year-old a one-year extension, which he accepted.
Dion Conroy
Crawley Town's captain recently signed a new two-year contract after his previous deal was set to expire this summer.
The 29-year-old has played 83 times for the club and became the first player to lead Crawley out at Wembley when he captained them to victory in the League Two play-off final last year.
During his spell at Broadfield, Conroy has suffered various injuries, but his presence in the dressing room and on the sidelines—particularly last season—was valuable.
Last season, he missed the opening 19 games, returned in December, then missed a further six matches before playing the final six.
When available, Conroy, who plays in the heart of defence, is one of the most consistent players in the side.
Midfielders
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Jay Williams
Williams was a key part of the Reds side that won promotion to League One via the play-offs in 2023–24, even scoring in both semi-final matches against his now former team.
The defensive midfielder departed Broadfield Stadium in January to link up with Scott Lindsey at the Dons, but he has now returned to West Sussex for an undisclosed fee.
During his time in Milton Keynes, Williams made 10 appearances and provided one assist, but he did not feature in any of the final 11 games of the season.
In the first half of the season, he made 13 appearances for Crawley but was often absent from the squad due to a recurring knee injury which he has now had surgery for.
Speaking after sealing his return, Williams said: "I'm delighted. I drove down today [28 June] and it feels like I'm back home, so I'm really happy.
The 24-year-old often lifted the crowd with his strong challenges and collected 22 yellow cards and one red card in his previous 57 games for Crawley.
Max Anderson
The Scotsman joined the Reds at the start of the 2023/24 season from Dundee FC and made 45 appearances last term, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Anderson was often the most consistent player on the pitch with his workhorse ethic, contributing in all aspects of the game.
The 24-year-old will yet again play a huge role in Crawley's midfield this year especially now that Jeremy Kelly has departed the club.
Louie Watson
The 24-year-old joined Crawley in February as a free agent and signed a contract until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Last season, he made seven appearances for Crawley but was not included in the squad for any of the final seven games.
When playing, Watson often impressed with his quick feet and ability to escape from tight areas. The midfielder will be hoping to continue regaining his fitness and become a key part of Scott Lindsey's plans this season.
Jack Roles
Roles joined the Reds midway through the 2023/24 campaign when Crawley were fighting relegation and has played 73 times, scoring nine goals and providing four assists.
The majority of his appearances have been off the bench late in the second half, but he did get more game time at the back end of last season after returning from his loan at Gateshead.
In his 20 appearances in League One, the midfielder played 614 total minutes, with 374 of those coming in the final six matches.
His strikes from distance have erupted the Broadfield on numerous occasions, and he will be aiming to do that once again this season.
Reece Brown
He most recently appeared for Forest Green in the 2023/24 season, making 12 appearances.
Crawley manager Lindsey previously worked with the midfielder during his time at Forest Green Rovers and believes Brown is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can drive forward.
In total, he has made 181 career appearances, making him one of the more experienced players in the squad.
Antony Papadopoulous
The 22-year-old struggled to make an impression since joining from Welling United last season.
The midfielder made seven appearances for the Reds, scoring on one occasion in the EFL Trophy against Brighton Under-21s, but only managed 35 minutes across five appearances in League One.
Papadopoulos was set to make his first League One start in a game against Charlton Athletic before the match was postponed 30 minutes before kick-off.
The youngster spent part of the season on loan at National League South side Maidstone, where he made 16 appearances, scoring five times before being recalled.
With Crawley back in League Two, he could be handed more opportunities this season under Scott Lindsey.
Harry Forster
The wide player recently signed a one-year contract extension with the club after his deal was set to expire at the end of the season.
Having moved to the club in the summer of 2023 from Bromley for an undisclosed fee, Forster has gone on to score seven goals in 62 appearances.
Last season, he made 25 appearances in League One, scoring twice, but missed the final month of the season due to injury.
Forster always looked assured on the ball and gave everything for the Reds whenever he featured.
Gavan Holohan
The oldest player in the squad, Holohan is invaluable for setting standards around the club. He joined the Reds from Grimsby, alongside defender Toby Mullarkey, at the start of last season but struggled with injuries.
The 33-year-old did not feature in the opening nine games and struggled to get any real playing time until the final four matches.
He completed his first 90 minutes in a Crawley shirt when Crawley beat Exeter 3-1 and then scored against Northampton with a cool finish the following week.
His presence in the squad will be useful in providing calmness, leadership, and experience among the players.
Attackers
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Dion Pereira
The 26-year-old joined Crawley following his release from Luton Town. This season, he made 38 appearances for National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge, scoring 11 times and providing six assists.
Pereira is regarded as an exciting and skillful winger and has made 18 appearances in MLS with Atlanta United.
He began his career at Watford, where he made his senior debut at 18 years old, coming off the bench against Leicester City.
On the international stage, Pereira represents Antigua and Barbuda. He made his debut on October 14, 2023, in a 4-1 win over the Bahamas. He has since earned four caps and scored his first international goal in a 3-2 defeat to Puerto Rico in November.
Ade Adeyemo
Adeyemo was a hidden gem discovered in the summer of 2023, signing from Cray Valley Paper Mills, and has a contract with Crawley until 2026.
He is a versatile player who can operate anywhere along the front line, and his speed and quick feet make him a valuable asset to Lindsey's side.
The 26-year-old played his part in the historic League Two play-off win, coming off the bench at Wembley against Crewe Alexandra, and has featured 63 times for the West Sussex side, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
Last season, he made 29 appearances in League One, scoring four times, including an incredible last-minute winner against Cambridge United in the second game of the season.
Harry McKirdy
McKirdy joined the Reds in June to become the second signing of the summer and will look to bring goals to the Broadfield.
The 28-year-old has 57 goals and 22 assists to his name in 225 appearances across League Two and the Scottish divisions.
He made 16 appearances last term with Hibernian and Bromley, scoring twice. After struggling in recent seasons, the forward will hope to make a lasting impression in Sussex for the Reds.
Speaking on the signing, Lindsey said:"Harry is a fantastic talent and is someone I have worked closely with before. The fans are going to love Harry; he's a great character, and he will score and create goals. He's a signing that we really wanted and worked hard to get, so we are pleased to get it over the line."
Tola Showunmi
The 25-year-old joined in the summer of 2024 from Louisville City on a two-year deal but is yet to make his mark at Crawley.
Despite his height and physical build, the forward didn't play to his strengths and struggled for Crawley last season, scoring only seven times in 28 appearances.
With Crawley back in League Two, it could be easier for Showunmi to make his mark and kickstart his career in a Crawley shirt, but first he will have to win over Lindsey's trust.
Showunmi did not feature in any of the final nine games of the season
Kabongo Tshimanga
Crawley's new number nine will look to reignite his prolific form that made him one of non-league football's most feared forwards.
The 26-year-old linked up with Scott Lindsey's squad in Spain for pre-season following his release from Peterborough United.
Last term, he enjoyed a productive loan spell at Swindon Town last term, netting 12 goals and providing three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Best known for his goal-scoring exploits at Chesterfield, Tshimanga struck 32 times in 42 matches during a remarkable campaign in the National League, which earned him a move to Peterborough in January 2023.
A former England C international, Tshimanga has earned a reputation as a quick and powerful striker who thrives running at defenders and possesses the instincts of a natural poacher.
Danny Cashman
This summer's potential hidden gem that Crawley have found from local side Worthing.
The Crawley-born 24-year-old scored 36 goals in two seasons for the National League South side - including 20 last term - as he twice helped Worthing reach the play-offs.
The former Brighton youngster has also had spells at Coventry City, Rochdale, Walsall and Altrincham.
Reds boss Lindsey expressed his satisfaction with his new signing and said: "Danny can play different positions, can play wide, can play in the 10, can play up front.
"He's one of those players we like because he can play in different positions. He's very nimble on the ball, very comfortable with the football, creates and scores, so a good signing."
Louis Flower
The 20-year-old already has his first goal for Crawley after scoring in their pre-season opener against Hearts in Spain.
A product of the Chelsea academy, he signed for Brighton in September 2023 and featured regularly for the Seagulls' academy, as well as making a handful of appearances in the Vertu Trophy.
Flower joined National League side Gateshead United on loan in January last season, but his time in the north was cut short by injury.
Flower is yet to score in men's professional football but has only appeared 11 times, providing two assists.
In youth football, he has 21 goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances.
He has signed a one-year contract with the Reds and could make a name for himself in the coming season with Crawley.