Crawley Town’s Dean Saunders targets three new signings

Dean Saunders the new Crawley Town manager watches his side against Colchester (Pic by Jon Rigby) SUS-141228-182307002

He wants another backs-to-the-wall display at home to MK Dons this Saturday.

Saunders said: “It’s a tough game against a good team who play expansive football but we hope to get a good result.

“Karl Robinson has been there for five years and had been building and building to go up and he’s getting there eventually.

“They all know what they’re doing and play a certain way. We’ve got some things of our own we can match them with.”

Although not naming names, Saunders plans to bring in some new faces in time to take on MK Dons.

The visitors are currently flying high in fourth in the table and have improved this season during which, one of their successes has been former Crawley Town defender Kyle McFadzean, who was sold to the Dons over the summer.

Saunders has ruled out interest in two players who have been linked with the club on social media.

Former Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra, who is currently playing for Indian club Kerala Bears, and Crystal Palace striker Kwesi Appiah, who is on international duty with Ghana.

Saunders added: “Hopefully, we’ll have some new players by the weekend – we haven’t got a lot of money to spend so we’ll have to make up for it in other ways.

“I haven’t come to Crawley just to be beaten – I have come to win. I want to go home happy.

“Last week, we had three players in our back four who had not played there before but still did well.

“They taken everything I’ve said in training on board. There’s a good spirit in the group despite being short of players.

“Gwion Edwards, Dean Leacock, Ryan Dickson, Josh Simpson and Lanre Oyebanjo were all on the injury list but I hope to have two or three of them available for the weekend.

“If you have got that type of list that does not leave you with many players left.

“I think we need to bring in three new players at least.

“We haven’t got a youth or under-21 team and against Colchester we had mainly midfield players on the pitch.

“We are a bit short in the defensive department, but I am looking to give all areas a boost.

“Thanks for all the letters of support. The club’s a nice club with over 100 years in Non-League.

“We are going through a blip at the moment but the club is at the highest level it has ever been and I’m honoured to be here.”