Defender joins on two-year contract
The club are delighted to confirm the signing of defender Lanre Oyebanjo, 24, who has joined Reds from League Two York City on a two-year contract.
A regular in the York side that earned a place in the League Two play-offs last season, Lanre’s form for the Minstermen earned him selection in the League Two Team of the Season.
Originally part of the West Ham United academy, the right back wasn't offered a deal with the Hammers and dropped into non-league football, joining Waltham Forest before getting the opportunity to move into the Football League with Brentford in the summer of 2007.
He didn't make an appearance for the Bees and subsequently the return to non-league by joining Histon. During his time with the Stutes Lanre played in the same team as current Reds’ skipper Josh Simpson.
His form during his three years with the club led to call-ups for the Republic of Ireland under-19s and under-21s.
After leaving Histon in 2011, Lanre, who can play at right back or in central defence, penned a two-year-deal with York City and his spell at Bootham Crescent proved to be hugely successful for Lanre, who studied successfully for a degree in Mathematics while in York.
In his first season with the club he helped York win the Conference play-offs and FA Trophy. Last season Lanre played in all York’s league games as well as picking up three player of the year awards at the end of the season.
Lanre said: “I’m delighted to be a Crawley player. It is a wrench to leave York because the club and fans were fantastic and I really enjoyed my time there.
“Crawley are an ambitious club and I’m looking forward to testing myself at League One level. I feel I can make a big impression here and I’m looking forward to the start of pre-season training in three weeks.”
John Gregory added: “Lanre will be a terrific signing for us. He is a real athlete and an excellent defender. We have beaten off competition from a few clubs in our division to sign him and I’m delighted to have him here because he’s a player I have been keen to sign for a number of months now.”
Check back soon for a video with Lanre and boss John Gregory.
