Ex-Crawley players Ben Smith and Simon Rusk to return to Checkatrade.com Stadium

Former Crawley Town players Simon Rusk and Ben Smith are to return to the Checkatrade.com Stadium in forthcoming matches.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jan 2016, 12:17 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:43 BST

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Crawley's Ben Smith shoots for goal against Darlington (Pic by Jon Rigby) ENGSNL00220110204212838Crawley's Ben Smith shoots for goal against Darlington (Pic by Jon Rigby) ENGSNL00220110204212838
Crawley's Ben Smith shoots for goal against Darlington (Pic by Jon Rigby) ENGSNL00220110204212838

Rusk will be coming in his role as manager of Brighton’s under-21 while Smith is part of his coaching staff.

Crawley are to stage two Barclays Premier League under-21 fixtures on the next two Mondays.

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Both Rusk and Smith were Reds players at the start of Reds Football League era, Rusk going on to manage Crawley Town’s academy before heading to the Amex.

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The Reds will be hosting Brighton & Hove Albion’s match against West Bromwich Albion next Monday (January 25) at the Checkatrade.com Stadium, kick-off 7pm.

The following Monday, February 1, the Seagulls will host Wolverhampton Wanderers here.

Chief executive Michael Dunford said: “Brighton have had some issues with their pitch at the American Express Stadium and we are happy to step in and help out our neighbours.

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“It should be a good, competitive game and we’re looking to hosting it.

Ben Smith is congratulated on his goal against Darlington that earned Crawley Town another three points and a step closer to becoming Champions of the Blue Sq Premier League. (Pic by Jon Rigby) ENGSNL00220110204210940Ben Smith is congratulated on his goal against Darlington that earned Crawley Town another three points and a step closer to becoming Champions of the Blue Sq Premier League. (Pic by Jon Rigby) ENGSNL00220110204210940
Ben Smith is congratulated on his goal against Darlington that earned Crawley Town another three points and a step closer to becoming Champions of the Blue Sq Premier League. (Pic by Jon Rigby) ENGSNL00220110204210940

“Our own pitch is in good condition thanks to our hardworking groundsmen Ben and Tom of SJK Sports Turf Management and I’m sure they will provide an excellent surface for the two games.”

The West Stand only will be open for both fixtures. There will be cash admission at the turnstiles priced £5 (adults), £2 (U-16s and senior citizens). Brighton & Hove Albion season ticket holders will be admitted free on production of their season tickets.

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Related topics:Brighton