Experienced defender is 12th new signing
Crawley Town are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Dean Leacock to sign the experienced defender on a one-year contract from August 1.
During a career which started back in 2002 at Fulham, Croydon-born Dean has made more than 200 appearances and the 30-year-old has excellent knowledge of League One having spent the last two seasons with Notts County prior to his release at the end of last season.
During five years with Fulham, Dean made 26 appearances for the club including nine starts in the Premier League. He also spent time on loan at Coventry before joining Derby County in 2006 for £375,000.
At Pride Park, Dean played 127 times for the Rams including a further 26 top-flight games during the 2007-08 campaign.
Dean left Derby in 2011 and after a stint with Leyton Orient he joined Notts County in June 2012 and was a regular in their side for the next two years, making 74 appearances.
Manager John Gregory said: “Kyle McFadzean’s departure left a big hole in our defence and I’m delighted we have managed to fill it with someone of Dean’s experience and ability.
“He is based back down in the south-east now which is important and he knows this level like the back of his hand. He’s trained well and looked excellent in the run-outs he had in the friendlies against Billingshurst and Oakwood.
"It’s a really good addition to the squad and we’re pleased to have him with us.”
Dean said: “I’m really pleased to be here. We have got a good mix in the squad of experience and youngsters and hopefully I can make a difference.
“I know League One well and having played against Crawley a few times I know that we are as good as anyone at this level on our day. It’s early days but I think we can have a really good season.
It looks like a really good squad which the manager is putting together and I’m pleased to be part of it.”
Dean will wear the No.5 shirt next season.
