REDS goalkeeper Michel Kuipers will work with new signing Paul Jones to create a keeper’s union at Crawley Town.
Kuipers penned a new deal at the Broadfield Stadium at the end of the season, which consists of a coaching and playing role, and he wants to create a foundation ‘which will run through the whole club’. He will work closely with Jones, with an emphasis on teamwork rather than rivalry for the number 1 jersey.
Kuipers, who has more than 15-years of experience of English football with Bristol Rovers, Brighton and Crawley, will be goalkeeping coach to the first team and youth keepers throughout the club, including Jones, who was signed from Championship side Peterborough United at the weekend. (see page 67).
Apprentices will attend training sessions throughout the season where all goalkeepers will be trained together.
“We want to reach the best possible standard, which will only help Crawley.” Kuipers said.
“I have had two fantastic years here and I have enjoyed every minute.
“It was an absolute no-brainer to sign a new contract.
“I am very much looking forward to the challenge. It is all designed to give the first team the very best possible goalkeeper. We are trying to set up a goalkeeping formula which will run through the whole club.
“Hopefully the YTS goalkeepers are geared up for the first team.
“I’m looking forward to using my experience to help the goalkeepers, if they improve then that is what I am looking for.”
Meanwhile, Crawley’s hunt for a striker has seen them linked with a number of names.
The bid to bring Lewis Grabban to Broadfield Stadium from Rotherham United, which broke down when the two parties failed to agree personal terms appears to be back on. Former boss Steve Evans, now manager at the Millers was quoted at the weekend as suggesting the move could still be reignited, and sources in Sheffield believe the striker, who netted 21 times last season, could still end up at Crawley.
Sean O’Driscoll’s Reds have also been linked with Clayton Donaldson, another striker they mieed out on last summer, when he moved from Crewe to Brentford.
Donaldson had a prolific season in League 2 with the Railwaymen, hitting 29 goals as he attracted interest from several clubs, including the Reds. Since his move to the Bees, Donaldson scored 11 times in 40 appearances at