A Look at the Swans’ Next Opponents: Crawley Town

The Swans’ upcoming opponent, Crawley Town, may be a team in a new division, but they are far from a new challenge. Relegated from League One at the end of the 2024/2025 campaign, the Red Devils are embarking on a new chapter with a familiar face at the helm. With a disappointing season behind them, a summer of significant transfer activity, and a fresh sense of optimism, they will be looking to get their new campaign on track when they face the Swans.

A Season of Disappointment and a Return to League Two

Crawley Town’s 2024/2025 season was a stark contrast to their triumphant promotion from League Two just a year prior. Finishing 23rd in the League One table with a record of 10 wins, 8 draws, and 28 losses, the club was relegated back to the fourth tier. The season was described as one “soaked with disappointment,” with the team struggling to find its footing and consistently conceding goals. A poor run of form under previous management led to a managerial change mid-season, but it was not enough to save them from the drop.

This return to League Two, however, brings with it a sense of renewed purpose and a familiar sense of belief. Chairman Preston Johnson has been vocal about the club’s long-term vision, stating that they are “striving for success at the highest levels of English football” and strengthening relationships with fans. This sentiment has been a central theme of the new season, with the club hoping to replicate the success of two seasons ago.

Summer Transfer Activity and New Hopes

Crawley’s summer transfer window has been one of the busiest in their recent history, marked by a clear strategy to rebuild the squad for a push back up the leagues. The club saw a number of key players from their promotion-winning side depart, including leading scorer Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and defender Will Swan. However, the club’s recruitment has been just as active, bringing in a host of fresh talent and familiar faces.

The most notable signings include:

• Reece Brown (CM): A central midfielder and a free agent, he brings experience and quality to the midfield.
• Kabongo Tshimanga (CF): A free transfer from Peterborough United, the forward is known for his clinical finishing and will be looked to for goals.
• Danny Cashman (CF): A hometown signing from Worthing, Cashman is a promising young striker.
• Harry McKirdy (RW): A free transfer from Bromley, the winger reunites with manager Scott Lindsey, under whom he enjoyed a successful previous spell.

These signings, particularly McKirdy and Tshimanga, suggest a new focus on attacking firepower, a welcome change for a team that struggled for goals last season. The club’s transfer activity seems to have been well-received by fans, with one supporter remarking on a fan forum that the changes have brought “renewed optimism.”

A Rocky Start to the 2025/2026 Season

Despite the summer optimism, the start of the new League Two season has been a challenging one for Crawley Town. Their opening two fixtures have resulted in two defeats, leaving them at the bottom of the table without a single point. A 3-0 loss to Grimsby Town was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Newport County.

These early results have highlighted the rebuilding job still ahead for the club, but the new signings have been given time to gel and the team has shown glimpses of a more attacking style of play. While the results have been frustrating, the hope is that with more time, the new-look squad will be able to turn their performances into points.

Manager Profile: Scott Lindsey

Scott Lindsey’s return to Crawley Town on March 20th, 2025, marks his second spell in charge, and it’s a move that has been met with significant approval from the fanbase. The 53-year-old manager, a former professional midfielder with clubs like Gillingham, first took the reins at Crawley in January 2023. He famously steered the club away from a relegation battle and then orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading them to a play-off promotion to League One in the 2023/2024 season.

Lindsey briefly left to manage MK Dons in September 2024 but was sacked just six months later, paving the way for his return to Crawley. He is known for a tactical style that often utilizes a 3-4-2-1 formation and a belief in a cohesive, team-first approach. Chairman Preston Johnson was quoted as saying, “We all love the culture and commitment he brings to the Club… Scott Lindsey is essential to that.” His return is seen as a key component of the club’s strategy for success and stability.

Three Players to Watch

While the team has struggled in its first two matches, there are several players who have caught the eye and will pose a threat to the Swans.

1. Kabongo Tshimanga (Striker): A new summer signing, Tshimanga has been brought in to lead the line and provide a consistent goal threat. Having scored goals at a higher level, his physicality and keen eye for goal make him a dangerous prospect for any defense.
2. Reece Brown (Midfielder): Another new signing, Brown has a wealth of experience and a reputation for being an excellent ball-playing midfielder. He will be instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game and creating chances for the forward line. His ability to control the middle of the park could be a key factor in the match.
3. Harry McKirdy (Winger): McKirdy’s return to Crawley is a huge boost. He previously enjoyed a successful spell under manager Scott Lindsey, and his pace and direct attacking style will be a constant threat on the wings. He’s a player who thrives on confidence and can be a match-winner on his day.