Opinion: Weekend of wonderful news shows Crawley Town are on the right track

There is the possibility that others will follow but the realisation of John Yems’ challenge for the top half of the League Two table is very much on the cards. The signings represented two different aspects of his planning.

Vastly experienced defender Tony Craig has more than 500 EFL appearances under his belt. He comes to us from Bristol Rovers but has turned out for both Millwall and Brentford more than 100 times. The strategy is probably that he will be able to provide on-field control and direction when Dannie Bulman is on the touchline.

Bulman is arguably the best all round player ever to grace a Crawley Town shirt. Everyone is overjoyed that his services have been secured for another campaign. This season he will spend some time on the touchline assisting the manager and Lee Bradbury.

He reads the game so well that the addition in the future of coaching badges would give the Reds the opportunity of welcoming their own Frank Lampard.

The other aspect of the manager’s signings policy is young players, of whom he either has personal knowledge or a reliable recommendation, who can bring something extra to the squad in the future as we strive to improve our status.

Tyler Frost, who has joined us from Reading, is a 21 year old midfielder who has impressed Bradbury and is considered to have a very bright future.

The Reds have already shown the wisdom in watching young defenders at Brighton & Hove Albion. Fans were impressed by the progress last season of Tom Dallison, previously signed from the Albion. While Dallison has shared the roles of left back and centre back, Archie Davies plays on the right and could provide a strong challenge to David Sesay and Lewis Young as a wing back.

The future is being safeguarded here as Young will be 31 next month and will be motivated by knowing the selection options that are available. Perhaps the biggest selection question next season will be how to keep squad members happy in the absence of reserve team football. It will be up to the individuals to stake their own claims to a starting spot.

As I write, the rumour mill has it that Ollie Palmer is leaving for AFC Wimbledon. Previously he was apparently signing for Walsall but that didn’t happen. As he is out of contract a move is possible and I would wish him well. It would be interesting to see how well he fares against League One defences.

For me the weekend’s activity has reinforced my belief that Crawley Town are on the right track and that success will come our way once again.