New manager Dean Saunders delighted to be at Crawley Town
We caught up with new manager Dean Saunders this afternoon as he prepared to take charge of his first game in charge against Colchester tomorrow.
Dean, welcome to Crawley Town. What are your first impressions?
First of all, it’s great to be here. Crawley Town as a club has come a long way in a relatively short space of time over the last five years and I’m delighted to be the new manager. I’ve been out of management for 18 months but football is in my blood and I feel I’ve got something to prove. I can’t wait to get started.
As a player you worked under John Gregory when he was assistant manager at Aston Villa didn’t you?
Yes, I have known John a long time. He used to put on finishing practice sessions for me at training and I know what a good coach he is. The circumstances are a bit strange but I know John is pleased that I have come in and he’s already been a great help. Everyone at the club will wish him all the best for his surgery and recovery.
What do you make of the squad as it is?
I’ve watched the last two games myself and seen lots of DVDs so I’m pretty much up to speed on the squad and the players we have. My job is to organise the boys and try and make them better. In return I will demand 100% effort, both in their individual performances and what they do for the team. Every player who wears the Crawley Town shirt must want to be the best player they can be for this football club and also be better than their opponent in every game we play, starting tomorrow against Colchester.
It’s a clean slate. Everyone in the squad will have the chance to impress me. Our recent form hasn’t been great and there are areas of the squad that we need to improve and the owners and the board of directors have promised that they will help me as much as they can when the transfer window opens to get the tools that we need to help keep us up. Staying in League One is our only aim now of course and we still have more than half the season left so there is time.
How big a part have the fans got to play?
Massive. I know it’s a small stadium but I have been here when it’s been full and the atmosphere was superb. As a club we have to go forward together – myself, the players and the supporters. Without the fans’ backing it will make what we want to achieve even harder. It’s a fresh start on Sunday against Colchester and I’m asking all our supporters if they can make it to get down and get behind the team. In return I can promise that the players will wear the shirt with pride and give 100%. I will demand nothing less because without hard work by everyone we can’t make the progress we all want for Crawley Town.
Dean Saunders takes charge for the first time on Sunday against Colchester. Make sure you are there to welcome our new boss! Ticket details can be found by clicking here.
