Early Bird season ticket sales end at 1pm Saturday
Three young Reds fans were among those supporters taking advantage of the last few hours before the Early Bird deadline closed at 1pm today.
School friends Louis Bernard, 15, Ollie Jones, 15, and Jacob Pearman, 14, all visited the club to book their places at the Checkatrade.com Stadium ahead of the upcoming 2014-15 campaign.
Louis said: “I've got my season ticket today as it will give me something enjoyable to do on my Saturdays. I can come down and support the Reds more. This will be my second season as a season ticket holder but I've been coming for three years now watching the Reds, which is very enjoyable. John (Gregory) has done well considering the players we had. I'll be in the Bruce Winfield Stand because it's the place with real atmosphere with the singing.”
Ollie is keen to support the Reds and is confident that the Gaffer will push Crawley on to the next level: “It's the big local club and I enjoy coming down to watch the games. John Gregory's done well and will only improve us.”
The 2014-15 season will be the first time that Jacob will have had a season ticket after being impressed with what he saw during the last campaign which saw the Reds finish in a creditable 14th place. “It's my first real season watching Crawley,” he said. “I came to a few games last season and in the previous one but this is the first time I'll have had a season ticket. Next season I think we'll improve and I'm going to say we'll finish sixth!”
The lads – who all attend Imberhorne School in East Grinstead - have a variety of names that they would like to see JG bring to Crawley next season to improve the squad!
“(Adebayo) Akinfenwa is a free agent, he's a tank and he can partner Matt Tubbs next season if we can get them both in. Akinfenwa can hold the ball up, set Tubbs up and the goals will go in,” Louis said.
“I want (Emmanuel) Frimpong,” Ollie admits, whilst Jacob says defiantly: “Bring back Hope Akpan! He'll add skill in the central midfield position.”
Ollie said: “I'll be in the Bruce Winfield Stand too. Like Louis, I like the atmosphere that is generated behind the goal. John's done well since he came to the club and hopefully next season will see us finish in the play-off positions. Behind the goal I'm with my mates and a few others, which makes it an enjoyable experience.”
Louis is delighted with the signing of Brian Jenson, who joined the club earlier this week: “I don't really know about Jimmy Smith but Jenson has Premier League experience, has performed at the top level and is a good signing. Paul Jones was solid but Jensen I think will be better because he's played in the Premier League and, at 38, is much more experienced.”
