Defender Mark returns for second spell with the club
The club are delighted to confirm that defender Mark Connolly is returning to Crawley, having signed a two-year contract.
The 24-year-old, who can play in central defence or right-back, was signed by Richie Barker in July 2012 and went on to make 80 appearances for Reds in League One over the next two seasons, scoring three goals.
Mark moved on in July 2014 and signed for Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock. He was made captain at Rugby Park and played 39 times for the club, although his appearances were restricted by injury last season.
Now fully fit, the club have beaten off competition from four other clubs to bring back a player who was one of the most popular in the squad during his first spell with Reds.
Head Coach Dermot Drummy said: “We have been looking for an aggressive, dominant defender to compliment what we already have and I think we have found him in Mark.
“He’s a warrior and he’s also a very good defender who can play centrally or at right back.
"I like the versatility he offers. Speaking to people at the club, I know how popular he was during his first spell here and I’m delighted for everyone that we’ve been able to bring him back.”
Mark said: “I had some good offers from Scotland and elsewhere but when Matt and Dermot spoke to me the more I thought about it the more I wanted to go back to Crawley.
“It’s a smashing club and me and my family loved being part of it before. I like the area and I think the way Dermot and Matt are building the squad and the way they want to play will suit me.
“I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been working on my fitness for several weeks to make sure I can hit the ground running.
"It will be a special moment for me when I pull the Crawley Town shirt on again.”
