Crawley Town Gear Up for 2026/27 Season with Optimism Under Kazim-Richards

June 27, 2026

Crawley Town Football Club is entering the new 2026/27 League Two campaign with renewed hope following a challenging previous season that saw them battle successfully against relegation. Under the stewardship of head coach Colin Kazim-Richards, the Reds are focusing on stability and squad development as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures, which were officially released earlier this week.

The club confirmed their full schedule for the Sky Bet League Two season on June 25, sparking excitement among supporters. Key early fixtures include several competitive home games at the Broadfield Stadium, offering the team an opportunity to build momentum from the start. Manager Kazim-Richards, who took charge in March 2026 and played a crucial role in securing the club's Football League status, has emphasised the need for consistency.

"We're building something solid here," Kazim-Richards stated in a recent interview. "Last season was a grind, but the players showed real character in the final months. Now we want to push higher up the table and give our fans something to cheer about every week."

One of the highlights of the week was the announcement that popular attacking midfielder Louie Watson has signed a new two-year contract with the club, keeping him at Broadfield Stadium until at least June 2028. Watson, who has been a creative force for the Reds, expressed his delight at committing his future to the club.

"I'm really happy to stay with Crawley," Watson said. "The fans, the lads, and the coaching staff have all made me feel at home. There's a real belief in what we can achieve this season, and I'm excited to be part of it."

The contract extension comes amid other positive squad news. Earlier in June, the club confirmed the appointment of experienced goalkeeper Vito Mannone in a dual player-coach role. The former Arsenal and Sunderland shot-stopper brings a wealth of top-level experience and is expected to mentor younger players while potentially featuring on the pitch.

Crawley Town finished the 2025/26 season in a position that required them to fight hard for survival, culminating in a tense final-day draw against Salford City that ensured they remained in the Football League. The ownership group, led by chairman Raphael Khalili and co-owner Ryan Gilbert, has been active in the transfer market and committed to long-term investment in the squad and infrastructure.

In addition to player retention, the club has been active in pre-season planning. They are set to face York City in the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup, with a potential plum tie against Watford awaiting should they progress. The EFL Trophy group stage draw also sees Brentford U21 joining Crawley in Group H of the Southern Section, providing valuable competitive minutes for the squad.

Chief Executive Tom Allman recently provided a summer update to supporters, outlining ambitions both on and off the pitch. The club has decided on its approach to the Sussex Senior Cup and continues to strengthen community ties in West Sussex.

Fans have responded positively to the fixtures announcement and contract news, with social media buzzing with anticipation. Many see the new season as a chance for Crawley to build on their late-season resilience and aim for a more comfortable mid-table finish.

Pre-season friendlies are expected to be confirmed shortly, allowing Kazim-Richards to assess his squad and integrate any new arrivals. With several players already showing strong form in training, the Reds appear motivated to start the campaign positively when League Two action resumes in August.

As the club looks ahead, the message from Broadfield is clear: Crawley Town is united and ready for the challenges of 2026/27. Supporters will be hoping for an improved showing that reflects the growing stability at the club.