Experienced goalkeeper joins the club
Reds have today signed experienced goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, subject to Football League ratification.
The 36-year-old has agreed a contract until January 16, 2016 and has been given squad No.1.
Manager Mark Yates has been looking for another goalkeeper since last weekend, when his parent club Newcastle United recalled Freddie Woodman.
“We wanted a keeper with lots of experience and Darryl certainly fits the bill,” said Mark.
Darryl started his career at Southampton in 1996 and had four seasons there, spending time on loan with Woking. After failing to make a first-team appearance he moved to Southend in 2000 and soon established himself as first choice at Roots Hall, playing more than 300 games over eight years.
In 2008 he joined Crystal Palace and spent three seasons there, including loan spells at Leeds United and Oldham Athletic.
After a year at Portsmouth, where he was back-up to another former Crawley goalkeeper, Jamie Ashdown, Darryl joined Bournemouth in 2011 and he made over 50 appearances for the Cherries, before he was released at the end of last season.
In total, Darryl has made 460 career appearances in nearly two decades in the game.
Darryl said: “I haven’t had a club since I left Bournemouth. Portsmouth allowed me to train there which kept me in shape and I’m looking forward to this new challenge.
“I know a few of the lads, which isn’t surprising as I’ve been around for a while now, and the spirit here and quality of the group is excellent. I’m looking forward to competing with Callum (Preston) for the goalkeeper’s jersey and helping us climb the table. From what I’ve seen this week, the quality is certainly there for us to do that and I am ready to go if called upon on Saturday."
For a full interview with Darryl head over to our YouTube channel
