EXCLUSIVE
By Graham Carter
CRAWLEY Down Gatwick manager John Maggs has signed TWO new players as he builds for the new season.
He has recruited the highly rated central defender Craig Richards from Ryman Division 1 South champions Whitehawk.
The Brighton club have been signing players with Football League and Scottish Premier League experience, leaving some of those who won them promotion last season surplus to requirements.
Richards has made more than 130 appearances in the Football League.
Maggs has also signed former Crawley Town midfielder Steve Sergent, who played for him when he managed Horsham.
Maggs said: “We have worked hard over the summer as we look for an improvement.
“We have got the majority of last year’s squad.
“I am trying to make sure we are OK when we kick-off for the first league game.
“We should be a force this year - we don’t want a repeat of last year and we should be OK if we come out of the traps flying, which is what we are planning.
“Craig and Steve are both excellent players - perfect for us as we look to rise up the table.”
Richards became Down’s 17th player to sign and all 16 onboard on Saturday played in Down’s opening pre-season friendly away to County League Division 1 club Peacehaven.
Peacehaven won 4-3 and Down’s scorers were: Luke Blewdon, Tom Baldwin, Abou Bakar-Diarra. Out of last season’s sqaud, they have lost captain Ashley Jones and Ben Swetman, so Richards is seen as a replacement for one of them.
Last night Down were visiting Combined Counties Premier side Horley Town in their second friendly of the campaign and will be in action again this Saturday, July 28 away to County League Division 1 team Horsham YMCA, kick-off 3pm.
Next Tuesday they are at home to Conference South club Tonbridge Angels, who are managed by Maggs’ former assistant at Horsham, Tommy Warrilow.
On Saturday, August 4 Down Gatwick visit Kent League side Ashford Utd, who are reformed after Ashford Town went bust.
Down play their opening Ryman league match on Saturday, August 18 away to local rivals Merstham.