- 5 months ago
Matt Pole is joined by Sam Morton, who covers both Brighton and Crawley, Albion writer Henry Bryant, and Ron Alderman, who has been keeping an eye on all things Crawley Town.
Brighton’s pre-season preparations continued at Southampton on Saturday while Crawley Town endured a nightmare start in their League Two opener at Grimsby.
This week, we’ll look at who impressed for the Seagulls at St Mary’s, reveal why Albion’s new £50m strike pair have yet to feature in pre-season, and bring you all the fallout from the Reds' opening day defeat.
Brighton’s pre-season preparations continued at Southampton on Saturday while Crawley Town endured a nightmare start in their League Two opener at Grimsby.
This week, we’ll look at who impressed for the Seagulls at St Mary’s, reveal why Albion’s new £50m strike pair have yet to feature in pre-season, and bring you all the fallout from the Reds' opening day defeat.
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00:00Welcome to another episode of the Garden with Action podcast where we take a look at all the latest goings-on at Brighton, Hove, Albion and Crawley Town.
00:06I'm Matt Poulton and this week I'm joined by Sam Morton who covers both Brighton and Crawley, Albion writer Henry Bryant and Ron Alderman who has been keeping an eye on all things Crawley Town.
00:15Brighton's pre-season preparation continued at Southampton on Saturday while Crawley Town enjoyed a nightmare start in their League 2 opener at Grimsby.
00:22This week we'll look at who impressed with the Seagulls at St Mary's, reveal why Albion's new £50m strike pair of yet to feature in pre-season.
00:30I'm bringing you all the fallout from the Reds' opening day defeat at Grimsby.
00:33You can read all the stories we're talking about with videos and pictures online at sussexworld.co.uk forward slash sport.
00:39And we will start as ever at Brighton, Hove, Albion where the Seagulls were held to a two-wheel draw at Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
00:45Yankouba Minter netted twice for Albion but they let a commanding lead slip as the Saints came back to draw.
00:50You were at this one for us, Sam. What did you make of the Seagulls' performance and who stood out for you at St Mary's?
00:56Yeah, it was a strange one actually. It was a really dominant performance from Brighton for about 60-65 minutes to be fair and they looked completely in control.
01:06Two goals from Yankouba Minter, two very similar goals actually where he kind of cut in on his left foot and curled in a really, really nice finish.
01:14And it really shows how much he's been working on his finishing because he told us last season he was unhappy that he didn't make double figures, which was his target for goals and assists as well.
01:24But it really shows he's been working on that and I think we can definitely expect him to score double figures this season if that's anything to go by.
01:31He looks really, really good and he could have had another couple.
01:34He had a goal disallowed quite early on as well for a foul.
01:37And also he was one-on-one but decided to square it to Matoma, who wasn't quite expecting the pass and the chance was gone.
01:43And that was one of a number of chances that Brighton had to extend the lead and score three, four or even five goals.
01:50But they were tuning up and still we felt that they were in control.
01:53But Southampton very, very quickly got back into it as a bit of a lucky deflection off Lewis Dunk.
01:59To see Jason Steele, who otherwise was very good as well, Steele, I don't think he could have done anything about that goal.
02:03Or the penalty that made it 2-0 when that was a handball from Matt O'Reilly.
02:10A bit harsh, it was a bit of nothing he could do about it kind of thing.
02:13And Van Heek was booked for his protest as well.
02:16And then they could have won it at Southampton.
02:18They hit the post not long after that as well.
02:20So from a completely dominant performance, Brighton nearly lost 3-2, which would have been crazy really.
02:27And it's a bit of an eyebrow raiser, I think, going into the season.
02:31But at least it's happened now, not when it really matters.
02:34Because at the end of the day, results don't matter in pre-season.
02:36It's all about getting the fitness and some minutes into the legs and that kind of thing.
02:41So I think Hurstead will be telling this play to make sure that doesn't happen in the league.
02:47And to make sure when you've got that lead, to add to it and just make sure you don't let things slip unnecessarily.
02:54Yeah, absolutely.
02:55But strangely, this wasn't the first game played between these two sides on Saturday.
02:59How a long game was played between closed doors prior to a second meeting between Brighton and Southampton.
03:05First, Henry, do we know why they played twice in one day?
03:08And second, what was the result from this behind closed doors fixture?
03:11And what sort of team did the Seagulls put out?
03:13Was it markedly different from the one they put out just a few hours later?
03:17Yeah, it was mainly sort of an added warm-up game to keep the players sharp.
03:22Both sides have got quite a big squad list.
03:23And it was a good opportunity to get the players back into the mix of things.
03:28It's about giving those fringe players and youth players that could potentially feature for either side some important minutes.
03:36And it was a mix of players, really.
03:38I wouldn't really call it Brighton's B team because of the mix of the new sign-ins and academy players getting their chance.
03:44And Brighton won that one 1-0 in the 60-minute friendly.
03:49It was Jeremy Sarmiento that got a goal in the 21st minute.
03:53That was the difference in this sort of training exercise, I would call it.
03:58You know, the players that weren't involved in that proper friendly that was shown to the fans.
04:02And highlights of who was included in that was McGill, Veltman, the new sign-in, Coppola, was shown.
04:10Simmons as well, who's a 17-year-old centre-back for Brighton, who's also appeared, I should say, in the youth sort of England squads.
04:22So he's someone to look at.
04:24You've got Caddy Oglut, who has had a few injuries, but he's been able to make a feature there.
04:30And Fabian Hursler has said that he'll be like a new signing when he comes back for Brighton fully.
04:36So that's one to look forward to.
04:38Milner was there.
04:40Yalcouye, Buonanotte, Gruda, Sarmiento, Wolbeck.
04:44So, yeah, it was good to see that Brighton have been able to have a little win.
04:50But maybe if it wasn't in a 60-minute game, they might have fallen apart and given the lead away.
04:55We don't know.
04:57But just like Brighton lost in that proper 90, that is an issue they need to pick up on for next season.
05:04Because as we saw in the 24-25 season under Hursler, there were a few times where Brighton did that, let that lead slip.
05:11So we'll see.
05:12But it was a good exercise.
05:14Yeah, absolutely.
05:15You mentioned a load of names there, Henry.
05:17But Albion supporters would have been keen to see the club's new £50 million strike duo.
05:21And I apologise in advance that I'm going to butcher at least one of these names.
05:25Stephanos Zimas and Charalampos Kostoulas, I think I've done all right there, feature at St Mary's.
05:30But the Greek teenagers were not involved in either games.
05:33Sam, why didn't the two play against Southampton in either of those games?
05:37And what did Fabian Hurtzeler have to say about their continued absence?
05:41Because as far as I'm aware, I don't think they've played at all in pre-season, have they?
05:44No, they haven't.
05:46They haven't been involved at all for Brighton just yet.
05:49And the simple answer from Hursler post-match was that they're still in the adaptation phase.
05:55He doesn't want to take any risks with either of them, as well as Oliver Buscali as well, the French defender from PSV.
06:01He said they're still adapting and already in team training, which is a positive thing.
06:05But he was asked to clarify whether he meant adapting physically or tactically.
06:11And he said that he doesn't want to risk an injury physically rather than anything in terms of tactics.
06:17And they're just being very patient with them and just giving them time to adapt to the training intensity.
06:22But he did say that they should be somewhat involved in the game against Wolfsburg at the Amex.
06:27And he said that Balaba, who was injured, Hinsherwood, Verbruggen, they all should be back from injury as well.
06:34So, yes, some definite positive signs.
06:36And I think it will be exciting for Brighton to see what the Greek lads can do, because as we've discussed, they've not been involved at all yet.
06:45Absolutely. And Sam's mentioned a load of names there out injured, Henry.
06:49Who is currently among the walking wounded and when can we expect to see them back?
06:53Are there any major doubts for Albion's Premier League opener at home to Fulham on the 16th of August, I think it is?
06:58Yeah, well, it's the major doubt or the one that's definitely never going to happen in a million years is Adam Webster, because he has that knee ligament injury.
07:08He's definitely not going to be one that will be featuring for quite some time for the Albion.
07:13And it's a shame, really, because with new signings coming, especially in that defensive area and also Ferdi Cadioglu coming back,
07:20although he's like a new signing, he hasn't got the same amount of Premier League experience as Webster.
07:26So to have him not involved is going to be a big miss.
07:30And even just being involved in those training sessions and helping the players adapt whilst on the field is going to be a big one.
07:37But just sort of going through the whole list, then you've got Buonanotte, whose ankle's been playing up.
07:45He hobbled off against Las Palmas, but he featured in a closed behind the door, 60-minute friendly.
07:52Carlos Beliba's got a minor issue.
07:54He's missed the last three pre-season matches, but Herzl confirmed that after Southampton,
07:59that the Cameroon International will be back in training this week coming up.
08:03Solly March's knee is still a little way off his full fitness,
08:08and he's looking at maybe a week or two before he starts training with the full first-team group.
08:14But it's unlikely that he'll be included in the sort of starting line-up or subs
08:20for when Brighton do play their first game against Fulham on August 16th.
08:25Ferdi Cadioglu's toe is injured, that's it.
08:29Not one thing.
08:31Yeah, exactly. There's always something, isn't there?
08:34Yeah.
08:34But yeah, as we mentioned, yeah, Herzl is excited to get him back.
08:40Julio Nciso's knee has been playing up.
08:43He's set to leave the club, but a possible transfer has been halted by that injury,
08:48and apparently it's going to take sort of two to three months for him to get back into it.
08:53And then finally, you've got an unspecified one from Tauic Lamptey.
08:57So, yeah, we'll see. He's signed a new one-year deal over the summer, but he's yet to feature properly.
09:04So he should be joining up in training soon.
09:07But yeah, in terms of the injuries, it makes it sound like a long winding list from the way that Brighton have been able to recruit.
09:14Although it's not the Premier League experience that I think Albion fans would have quite wanted and maybe a signing such as Harvey Elliott.
09:22I know that Herzl has said that there's no one else coming through, but there's no sort of Premier League experience there.
09:28I do think Brighton are in a good position to start the opening few games strongly.
09:34Yeah, absolutely. And we've talked quite a lot about recruitment there, Sam.
09:38You spoke to Herzl after the game at Southampton.
09:41They've had a busy summer, both in terms of incomes and outgoings.
09:45How happy is he with his squad at the moment?
09:47And is there any chance maybe of getting someone in short or long term maybe to replace Adam Webster while he's out?
09:54It doesn't seem so.
09:55I think Herzl was actually asked directly if he's happy with the squad and if he's looking to make any more signings.
10:02And he said he's happy and he doesn't expect anyone else to come in.
10:07So, obviously, if you look at the deals they've made, obviously, in terms of outgoings, you've had João Pedro, Pervis Estepinian, Simon Ndinger all leave.
10:15And they're obviously key players.
10:17And obviously Brighton have been busy.
10:19They've brought in the Greek strikers.
10:21Kostilas and Zimas, as we mentioned.
10:23Obviously, Maxine de Kuiper has come in.
10:24He also impressed against Southampton, actually.
10:27I should have mentioned he did look good.
10:28He was the only summer signing that started the match.
10:31And he did show some really positive signs and was involved in the build-up to the opening goal.
10:37Midfielder, Tommy Watson, obviously, will be coming in and see what he can do.
10:41And defender, Diego Coppola, as well.
10:43So, there's been some good deals from Brighton.
10:48And obviously, they've lost Evan Ferguson on loan to Roma as well.
10:51But it seems like Hurtster's happy.
10:54He said, we're happy with the squad.
10:55I think we showed today that we're in a good place.
10:57And now it's about improving the details and getting physically ready for the Premier League.
11:01And he doesn't think that they'll be making any signings between now and the end of the window.
11:05And in terms of Adam Webster, he says he doesn't want to rule him out for the season.
11:10He thinks he's a character.
11:11He showed it in the last season and the season before.
11:13He always comes back.
11:14And that's why I'm quite convinced that he'll be back as soon as possible.
11:17And he said that he's not planning to replace him either.
11:20Do you think that's quite brave?
11:22I mean, he's probably going to be out for about, what, six months at least.
11:25Do you think that that's a bold move from him, not to replace a vital central defender, Sam?
11:31Yeah, I think it is a bold move because he's been really good, Adam Webster.
11:35He had a great season last year.
11:37He outperformed Lewis Dunk, actually, who had a bit of a rocky season.
11:41So Dunk will be looking to make amends.
11:43I thought Dunk did actually look quite good against Southampton.
11:46He clearly was not short of confidence.
11:48He tried to score from the halfway line at one point, which was quite funny to see.
11:52And if you're going to do it, you're going to do it in pre-season.
11:53So I thought he was really solid.
11:56And it was an unfortunate deflection that led to that first goal for Southampton from Dunk.
12:00But otherwise, I thought he was solid.
12:02And hopefully he can impress the season.
12:05Obviously, Van Hex, again, going to be a really crucial part of that defence.
12:09And obviously, you've got Voskali and Coppola as well.
12:12So I think they're probably fine when you consider all the defenders they have available.
12:16But a couple of injuries.
12:18And we know, obviously, from history what can happen.
12:21And obviously, it's good that Brighton do have obviously some versatility that can help if needed.
12:27Yeah, absolutely.
12:27And before we take a look at Brighton's final pre-season game against Bundesliga out for Wolfsburg.
12:32Sorry, Henry, you're a Brighton fan.
12:35You happy with the defensive options you've got now that Webster is out for what will probably be a considerable amount of time?
12:41Or do you still feel there is a need to maybe bring in one more centre-half?
12:45I think so.
12:47I think you need another centre-half that's got Premier League experience.
12:50I keep on talking about that.
12:52But in terms of Brighton's model, we know what they do.
12:56We know that they discover hidden gems that haven't quite been picked up by the top six.
13:02Or, you know, and they're able to develop them.
13:05And they're able to give them a platform.
13:07And that basically catapults them into stardom.
13:10I mean, we've seen it with the likes of João Pedro and the other half of the pitch when it comes to attacking options.
13:16But I do think that maybe Herzler will, you know, maybe Herzler will sort of just see how it goes till January.
13:23And then maybe we'll expect some signings.
13:26But as Brighton fans know, Tony Bloom isn't one to cough up during January.
13:32So then that also begs the question, like you guys were mentioning, if there's a few little injuries and a few minor injuries that get picked up,
13:40then will Brighton have the versatility?
13:43Will Brighton have the knack to overcome that?
13:46Or will they really struggle?
13:47We know that there's been the idea of potentially even just a back three this season at times for a formation that Herzler would be potentially looking to explore.
13:58I'm not quite sure.
14:00I'm not quite sure.
14:01It would be quite nice to have another defensive option.
14:04I think Estupinian is a big loss as well.
14:07Maybe he's been told that he won't be getting as much game time because of Cadillac coming back.
14:12Or maybe he just wanted to move on.
14:13But I do feel like in terms of departures, when you look at the expertise that they've got in the Premier League
14:20and the way Brighton have been able to build them up, it's a little concerning, to be honest.
14:24It is a little concerning, especially with the leaky defence that Brighton have had in the last 15, 10, 15 minutes of the game.
14:34We will wait and see.
14:35I suppose in Herzler we trust, Henry.
14:36We'll see how we go.
14:38Brighton have one more tune up against Bundesliga club Wolfsburg at the MX this Saturday,
14:42as we mentioned before their Premier League opener against Fulham.
14:45Do we expect Brighton to go as strong as humanly possible for this one, Henry?
14:50And I suppose in terms of opposition, it's probably the perfect way to end Albion's pre-season, wouldn't you say?
14:55Yeah, 100%.
14:57Yeah, Wolfsburg are a solid mid-table Bundesliga side, finishing 11th in the German top flight last season.
15:03And I think that the way that Brighton are going in terms of signings and things, they're probably aiming, I know, for Europe.
15:11But realistically, we'll probably get into that sort of mid-table section of the Premier League this season coming up.
15:18So I think it's a good test.
15:19And I think that they need to put out a good squad to show the fans what to expect this season.
15:26I don't expect too many of the new signings to come in straight away.
15:30They might appear sort of after that 60th, 70th minute, maybe get some of the more, you know,
15:36newer players and players trying to get back into fitness featured.
15:40But I expect it to be quite a sort of same old, same old squad in terms of the starting 11s that we saw last season of the players that are still here.
15:49But it's nice to see one big thing, I think, so far, touch wood, is that Mitome is not gone.
15:57He didn't have the world's best season last season because he's just been so magic recently, especially for Brighton's Europa League campaign.
16:05But if he's able to get into full flow, and I'm sure that all Brighton fans and Herzler will be hoping for that,
16:12then we might be all right in attack.
16:14We might be OK, but you can't just sort of rely on him.
16:17You can't just rely on Welbeck.
16:19But I do expect to see those two featuring on that front line.
16:22Expect Dunk to be on the back line manning things.
16:26And yeah, it should be a good contest.
16:28I'm looking forward to seeing how Brighton do, for better or for worse, of my hopes for the season coming up.
16:35They'll only let you down, Henry.
16:37They'll only let you down.
16:38Don't do it.
16:40Now we'll take a look at the latest goings on at Crawley Town.
16:43I'm sure most Red fans don't want us to do so, but we kind of have to.
16:47The Reds endured a miserable afternoon at Grimsby on Saturday as they suffered,
16:51I'd say, a somewhat surprising 3-0 away defeat in their League 2 opener.
16:55Josh Kabbia opened the scoring from the spot on 10 minutes before.
16:58Cameron McJanet headed home on 30 minutes.
17:00A strike from Evan Coorey in the second half completed the scoring.
17:03And I think there's no other way to put it, Sam.
17:07And the Reds could not have asked for a worse start of the season, could they?
17:11Pretty, pretty poor by all accounts.
17:14Yeah, yeah.
17:14Not an ideal way for Crawley to get things underway in League 2.
17:20Ron will be elaborating further in a minute, but Lindsay certainly didn't pull any punches afterwards.
17:24He said, we were rubbish.
17:26And that's the truth of the matter.
17:27So, that just about sums things up, really.
17:31But I do firstly have to bring up the penalty decision, which set the tone for things,
17:35because that was only nine minutes in and it was a bit of a farce, to be honest.
17:39The match was on at the same time as the Southampton game, which I was at.
17:42And a video popped up in my Twitter feed, or X, I should say.
17:46And, yeah, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, the penalty that was given against Crawley.
17:51Just nine minutes into the new season, it just, yeah, I couldn't believe it.
17:56I think, obviously, the Crawley goalkeeper, Harvey Davies, was the judge to have fouled Kieran Green.
18:01And I think Davies could have been a bit more assertive in the way that he came to affect the ball,
18:04but there was no foul.
18:07It just, it was, I don't know what the referee's seen there.
18:11And, obviously, that hasn't helped matters for Crawley.
18:14And, obviously, that penalty was tucked away and Grimsy have only just built on that.
18:18And Crawley just never, never looks like they're getting back into the game.
18:23And they looked very off the pace and perhaps just need a bit more time to get used to the rigours of competitive football again.
18:30But they will have to improve drastically if they are to have any chances of getting,
18:34back into League One, which I'm sure the aim will be.
18:37But some of the comments I've seen from fans include only one team's ready for the new season and it wasn't us.
18:44One said there's a clear defensive issue.
18:46Same problem in both games, Palace and Grimsby, obviously referring to that pre-season friendly,
18:50which I'm not sure I agree with because I was at the Palace game and thought Crawley defended really well
18:54against some incredibly top-class opposition in that game.
18:57So, yeah, a bit of a surprise to see them collapse against Grimsby in this way.
19:01And one said he was happy to see the honesty from Lindsay, that they were rubbish,
19:06but his little consolation to all those poor away fans that made the long journey to see such a woeful performance.
19:11So that just about sums it up, I think.
19:14Yes, well, I think before we move on to Ron and him telling us about quite a forthright assessment of things
19:19from Scott Lindsay as well as Captain Dion Conroy, how did you see things at Grimsby?
19:24We've kind of gone over it there, but you couldn't have asked for a worse start, could you?
19:29No, no, it really was an absolutely abysmal game.
19:35Yeah, as Sam said, I couldn't see where the penalty came from at all.
19:40Having watched it, I've watched it several times on replay and I still can't see where he's given the penalty there.
19:46But, yeah, Scott and Dion both said that it was rubbish, they didn't turn up, they were really poor on all aspects of the game.
19:55They just never got to the second ball and everything was wrong about the game.
20:00And they'll need a vast improvement on Saturday when they play Newport.
20:04Yeah, absolutely.
20:05And is the only consolation the fact that this is, well, I know Crawley fans probably won't be happy with me saying this,
20:10but it is the first game of the season and nothing is done, if you see what I mean, the first game of the season.
20:16I mean, Scott did say that, obviously, the result was the bad news, but the good news is it's not going to define our season.
20:23The site that was promoted two years ago, they got beat 6-0 by Swindon early on in the season.
20:30So, it's, you know, one result doesn't make the season.
20:33They've got a chance to put it right this weekend.
20:36Newport drew with Notts County on Saturday in their first game of the season at home.
20:40So, they'll be looking for their first win as well.
20:42So, it should be a good game.
20:44It should be indeed.
20:45And we'll move on to that shortly.
20:47But we're now going to move some matters off the pitch where there has been major upheaval at boardroom level at Crawley Town.
20:52The Reds have new owners after KB Sports and Leisure acquired a majority and controlling stake in the club following its substantial acquisition of Wagby United, LLC.
21:01I think we knew that they were going to potentially be new owners at some point.
21:05But what do we know about these owners, Sam?
21:09And will there be drastic changes at the club?
21:12And what have the supporters said about their arrival?
21:16Yeah, so it's intriguing, isn't it?
21:18So, I think this transition marks a significant new chapter in the club's history in KB Sports and Leisure.
21:23Under the leadership, Raphael Khalil will now assume full operational control of Crawley.
21:28New ownership groups say they're committed to driving the Red Devils forward both on and off the pitch with a focus on sustainable growth, fan engagement and competitive ambition.
21:37Together, they aim to bring a modern and forward-thinking approach that will drive the club's development both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
21:46Owner Raphael Khalil said it's an honour and a privilege to take ownership of Crawley Town Football Club.
21:50This club has an incredibly loyal fan base and a rich identity and we're committed to building something truly special, something sustainable, ambitious and roosted in the community.
21:59He said the long-term vision is to create a modern football club that balances on pitch success with long-term stability and we will invest in infrastructure, prioritise data and innovation and ensure Crawley Town is a club that reflects the values and energy of its supporters.
22:15And Scott Lindsay said there's a real sense of excitement and direction around the club.
22:18He said Raphael and the new ball clearly understand what Crawley Town represents and more importantly what it can become.
22:23Raphael has a strong grasp of both football and people and in my 30-plus years in the game, I can confidently say the club couldn't be in better hands.
22:30So these are all positive things that are being said and I think that has given Crawley fans some encouragement and there does seem to be quite a lot of enthusiasm from them.
22:38I think GH coaches, the away supporters, travel team said we would like to welcome the new owners to the club.
22:44It's been a turbulent couple of seasons but now the new directors and new vision going forward is something that we needed.
22:50It's all extremely positive for our supporters and hopefully an exciting future ahead.
22:54So yeah, lots of optimism there and obviously time will tell if it all proves to be good as it sounds basically.
23:02Yes, absolutely. And I'll get both your views on this, starting with you Sam.
23:06I think this means potentially the end of Wagme United's association with the Reds.
23:12How will they be remembered? Because it's been highs and lows and nothing in between, I don't think.
23:18Exactly. Yeah, exactly that really. They've delivered some big highs, obviously none more so than the promotion to League One via the playoffs at Wembley
23:29and that will go down as one of the greatest achievements in the club's history and Wagme at the end of the day were the owners at the time
23:36and you can't ever dispute that. There's obviously been some questionable decisions in terms of outgoings
23:42and perhaps prioritising financial gain in terms of the players they're selling without perhaps looking at what's going to happen on the pitch as they leave.
23:53But I think Scott Lindy has been obviously such a massive part of Crawley's success and for him to come back with Crawley,
24:00we were in such a precarious position obviously last season and to very nearly keep him up would have been an absolute miracle.
24:05So that was a low point for Crawley to go up and come straight back down again.
24:09But hopefully with his new owners in charge, they can kind of, I think, just make things a bit more stable
24:15and hopefully Crawley can build with what they've got and not sell their best players when they come good.
24:22Yeah, absolutely. Ron, what do you reckon of Wagme United's legacy?
24:26Sam's spoken about the playoff final, but I cast my mind back to I think it was around Christmas time,
24:31maybe two years ago where Preston Johnson was in the dugout, which just seemed a bit amateur to me.
24:38Yeah, that wasn't a very high point at all.
24:42Obviously, he recently sacked a manager at the time.
24:45Darren Byfield would take over as a temporary manager, as it were.
24:50And then, yeah, he didn't have a coach or anybody on the board.
24:53So Preston decided to sit on the bench with him and have no idea what was going on.
24:59So, yeah, that was a very low point for the club.
25:02And there has been quite a few.
25:03Obviously, Sam mentioned about the fact that, yes, we got up, but then got rid of the squad pretty much straight away.
25:10So, and again, similar sort of things happened this year.
25:13We got rid of the players and got new ones come in.
25:16So, yeah, I got on quite well with Preston.
25:21We had a few stats outside of football.
25:25And I got on quite well with one or two of the other owners as well.
25:29So I didn't see them as a bad thing.
25:31But I can understand why the club or the fans are quite happy that they disappeared, as it were.
25:37I mean, I think the Khalil brothers still have something to do with WAGME.
25:44But I'm not, I don't think there's too much there.
25:48Absolutely.
25:48Yeah, it's an interesting legacy they leave.
25:51But just hours after the KB Sports and Leisure announcement, the Reds confirmed they had appointed a new CEO.
25:56Who has taken the reins, Ron?
25:59And what do they have to say about their appointment?
26:00I think without meaning to give too much away, I think most supporters are quite happy with who's got the job.
26:05Yeah, it is actually quite a familiar face to most KB Sports and Leisure announced Tom Allman as the new CEO.
26:14He's had a number of roles at the club since he was an intern back in 2016.
26:18He's a familiar face around the club and he knows the club inside out.
26:22So it is a good appointment.
26:24Tom said, I'm honoured to assume the role of Sheevers Dixon at Corner Town.
26:28Over the past nine years, I've had the privilege of serving the club in a range of roles.
26:32And during that time, we have made significant progress on and off the pitch.
26:36I am excited to continue that journey alongside our talented off-field staff and our talented group of coaches and players as we enter what is truly an exciting chapter for the club and the community we represent.
26:45So, yeah, it's certainly something, I think it's certainly something that they, yeah, it's a good appointment for the club.
26:53I mean, like I say, he knows the club inside out.
26:56Yeah, absolutely.
26:57And best of luck to Tom in his new role as well.
26:59But returning to matters on the pitch, the Reds will hope to pick up their first win of the season in the home curtain raiser against Newport on Saturday.
27:06Do you reckon we might see wholesale changes after that debacle at Grimsby Salmon?
27:11And who are the ones to look out for from Danger Men, if you will, for Newport?
27:18Yes, a difficult one to predict, really.
27:21I have a feeling, my gut says Scott will want to give him another chance, give him an opportunity to make amends for a horror show at Grimsby.
27:30And obviously, it'll be a completely different game at home with obviously the majority of their support as well.
27:36So, I think they'll be desperate to put things right and obviously to get off the mark.
27:41And I don't think there will be any sense of, no doubt about the ability of the players.
27:47I think that Scott obviously is confident in them to have named them for that first game.
27:51And we'll probably go with a similar team, I would say.
27:54But one definite change, we assume, will be Harry Forster, who unfortunately suffered an injury in that first half.
28:00And Papadopoulos came on for him at Grimsby, so expect to see him start.
28:05And it'll be interesting to see if Danny Cashman is fit.
28:07He's had a sign injury that hasn't been involved.
28:09So, it'll be good to see him in action if he is fit.
28:13And that potentially is another change that can maybe make a difference for Crawley.
28:19But in terms of Newport, they drew 1-1 with Notts County in their opening game of the League Two season.
28:25And they've already signed goalkeepers Nick Zenev and Jordan Wright, centre-back Lee Jenkins,
28:31Walesman Field and Matt Smith, and striker Jed Garner, who actually scored the goal against Notts County.
28:36Manchester United defender Habib Ogunyeh and Cardiff City striker Michael Reindorf have joined on loan.
28:43So, they're a few players to watch out for Newport.
28:47And I think their boss, David Hughes, has been speaking quite highly about Lee Jenkins,
28:51who is slotted straight into the starting XI.
28:54And has caught the eye on the right of a trio with Captain James Clarke and Matt Baker against Barnett
29:00in the Caravill Cup and Notts County in League Two.
29:03I think there's a couple of injuries they've got and he's making the most of that for Newport.
29:09And obviously, they had a decent result in the opening day and will be looking to build on it.
29:12So, it's a winnable game for Crawley.
29:15I think they need to be showing a lot more than they did at Grimsby.
29:17And get off on a good start, get on the front foot quite early, I think, is the right approach for this game.
29:24Yeah, couldn't agree more.
29:26And finally, sticking with the Welsh team, Crawley then visits Swansea City for a first-round Carabao Cup day on Tuesday night.
29:33I'm not a fan of the Carabao Cup myself, but how important do you think this competition will be to Lindsay Rohn?
29:38Do you think this game will be a bit of a free hit, considering the calibre of opposition, sorry?
29:44Or do you think the Reds have a real chance of getting something out of this game?
29:48Because I think most people expect the Swans to make changes.
29:50How do you see things?
29:52Yeah, I think Scott will use the game to play some of the fringe players.
29:56People like Danny Catterman, if he's coming back from injury, to get a bit more game time.
30:01And players like that that haven't really featured much.
30:03I mean, it is only two games into the season, so it will be a good test for the team.
30:10But I also think Swansea will make changes, as we said.
30:14So it could be a game that, because they travel to Middlesbrough on their opening game of the season,
30:18so on Saturday.
30:20So they got Middlesbrough away on Saturday, and then they called it home.
30:25So they're looking to perhaps play a few of their fringe players as well.
30:29So it could be a game that probably can come at the right time if they get a good win.
30:33Crawley at Newport, home to Newport on Saturday, going with a bit of confidence into it.
30:38So yeah, I can see Scott taking it relatively seriously, but I think it'll be changes from both sides.
30:44Yeah, absolutely.
30:45And as ever, we will finish with score predictions.
30:47Just the two games this week, both Crawley Town.
30:49We'll start with Crawley v Newport on Saturday.
30:52We'll start with you, Ron.
30:53Are Crawley going to get off to a winning start to the season?
30:57Yeah, I think so.
30:58I think Crawley will win this one 2-0.
31:00I'm quite confident this weekend.
31:01And the fans will get behind them.
31:04Oh, sorry, Ron.
31:06I was going to say, the fans will get behind them.
31:08They'll get off to a really good start.
31:10Scott will stick a rocket up them.
31:12So they'll need to come out and show exactly what they can do.
31:16So I think Newport might well be on a beat on Saturday.
31:22I think we can all agree that Scott will be sticking a rocket up them, Sam, can't we?
31:27Absolutely.
31:28Yeah, I think there's going to be some choice words said during the week and after that game
31:34at Grimsby.
31:35So I think there'll be a reaction and Crawley will win 2-1.
31:39Henry.
31:40Oh, Henry.
31:40What do you reckon?
31:41You seemed a bit...
31:43What do you reckon?
31:44I'm just loving it.
31:44I'm just loving hearing it.
31:46I'm loving it.
31:46I reckon 3-0.
31:49I reckon they're going to come out all guns blazing, two goals in the first 45 minutes
31:54and then sealed off with a goal right at the last.
31:57Go on.
31:59You know what?
32:00I kind of agree with you.
32:01I think that Crawley might end up battering Newport, but famous last words.
32:06Especially, they can't put in the same performance they did on Saturday and I think Scott will
32:10make it quite plain to them that that can't happen again.
32:12So I reckon Newport could well be in for a bit of a hiding.
32:15But we will see.
32:16Turning to Tuesday, their Carabao Cup game at Swansea.
32:20Yeah, make me enthusiastic about this, Sam, basically.
32:25Well, Crawley have famously had some good runs in the Cup.
32:29We've obviously had some big results and you look at the one against Norwich and games
32:35like that where it's been an incredible atmosphere and Tuesday Wednesday night under the lights
32:40at Crawley in a Cup game.
32:41You can't really replicate that in the league.
32:43So I think that's one thing.
32:44Obviously, it gives an opportunity for some of the fringe players to get involved as well
32:48and just to get some minutes in the leg.
32:50So, yeah, I think it's a game to somewhat look forward to and a good result can build some
32:57confidence.
32:59And yeah, I think Crawley will be looking to make a bit of a run in the Cup to get the
33:03fans excited.
33:04Do you think they'll win on Tuesday?
33:10Yeah, go on then.
33:10I'll say 1-0.
33:14An edgy game, Crawley in the Cup.
33:17Do you share Sam's, I think, confidence?
33:19It didn't sound convinced myself, but I think there was confidence there from Sam.
33:23Yeah, I can see where Sam's coming from and I think it'll be an edgy game and I think it'll
33:29be a 1-0 or maybe even extra time and penalties job.
33:34I don't think it'll be, it's certainly going to be a tight game, I feel.
33:38As I say, both states will probably make changes from the games they played on Saturday.
33:43So, yeah, we'll just, hopefully it'll be a good game for the fans to watch and we'll
33:51make a win in the end.
33:53Yeah, fingers crossed.
33:54Finally, Henry, Crawley, do you reckon they'll do it?
33:57Should we go for a clean sweep of wins?
34:01No, I don't reckon.
34:05I don't reckon, I don't reckon.
34:07I think Scott Lindsay, although I'm not sort of a Crawley supporter as much as these guys
34:12and sort of follow it as much, but I can imagine Lindsay really focusing on trying to just keep
34:17league performances tight and if they go out in the cup, their main aim is going to be making sure
34:25that they can give themselves the best possible chance of going back up into League 1.
34:30So, I think they'll lose 2-0.
34:32I think they'll lose 2-0, but I think they'll make a good account of themselves.
34:36Yes, absolutely.
34:37Honestly, I couldn't agree more, Henry.
34:39I think you're spot on there.
34:40Well, yeah, that's it for this week.
34:42Thank you very much for joining us, Sam, Henry and Ron.
34:45Don't forget you can catch up with all the latest sports news covering everything we've talked about today
34:49at sussexworld.co.uk forward slash sport.
34:51Thank you very much for listening and or watching and we will see you again next week.
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