Three defenders Crawley Town could sign to bolster their defensive options
Crawley Town continue their preparations for the 2025/26 League Two campaign with a short trip to local neighbours Three Bridges tonight (July 8), offering head coach Scott Lindsey another opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new season.
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Under Lindsey, the Reds play with three centre-backs rather than a traditional back four, but his current defensive options are limited.
As things stand, just five recognised centre-backs are included in Crawley's 23-man squad: Dion Conroy and Joy Mukena — both of whom recently signed new deals — as well as Charlie Barker, Ben Radcliffe, and Josh Flint.
However, that number could soon drop. Barker, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2024/25 and was named the club's Player of the Season, has attracted interest from League One side Rotherham United. Should a move materialise, it would leave Lindsey with only four senior centre-backs to call upon.
Versatile midfielder Jay Williams is capable of filling in at the back, but the expectation remains that he will operate in his preferred role shielding the defence rather than within it.
With the Reds aiming to compete across league and cup competitions, bolstering the defence appears a clear priority. Here are three realistic centre-backs Crawley could target to strengthen their squad depth:
Theo Vassell- Free Agent
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Formerly of Barrow, the 27-year-old made 38 appearances last season and chipped in with an impressive six goals from defence.
With over 150 League Two appearances to his name, Vassell brings valuable EFL experience and is well-known for his aggressive, no-nonsense style of defending and aerial dominance.
Comfortable on the right side of a back three, he fits seamlessly into Scott Lindsey's system, which demands pace, physicality, and the ability to cover wide spaces behind wing-backs. His strength in 1v1 duels and ball recovery would be a major asset in a team that presses high and often leaves defenders isolated.
With Charlie Barker potentially on the move, Vassell would not only fill a key positional gap but also add competition and leadership to the defensive unit. Tactically and culturally, he aligns well with Crawley's fearless, high-energy identity — making him an ideal addition to bolster squad depth and defensive solidity.
Benn Ward- Accrington Stanley
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Benn Ward, currently at Accrington Stanley, is a promising young defender whose attributes align closely with Crawley Town's tactical and developmental approach under Scott Lindsey. The 21-year-old, formerly of Burnley's academy, impressed last season with his composure on the ball, versatility, and reading of the game — key traits for a team that plays with a back three and builds from the back.
Ward is comfortable playing as a centre-back or even as a wing-back, offering tactical flexibility. His athleticism and ability to cover ground make him well-suited to Crawley's high-energy system, which requires defenders to press aggressively and recover quickly.
Ward could be a smart long-term investment — providing immediate depth and future potential. His style, age, and growth trajectory make him an ideal fit for Crawley's 2025/26 squad build.
Being from Hastings, a move to Crawley would bring him closer to home which could support both his development and long-term stability.
Cameron John- York City
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The 25-year-old, currently with York City, brings valuable EFL experience from his time with Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale, where he made over 100 combined appearances across League One and League Two.
A composed, left-footed centre-back, John would add much-needed balance to Crawley's back three — a role he is naturally suited to. He is comfortable in possession, reads the game well, and has the versatility to cover both centre-back and left-back positions.
He also offers a good mix of mobility and physicality, fitting the technical and tactical demands of Scott Lindsey's high-energy, ball-playing system. Still only 25, John is entering his prime and could provide both immediate reliability and long-term value.