David Cameron Walker

On Wednesday the Crawley News revealed that their sports reporter Kaylee Seckington had been banned from interviewing Crawley Town staff and players, saying that manager Richie Barker “was unhappy with two headlines in our March 13th edition.”

The Reds boss has come under a lot of criticism with many stating his reaction was over the top and that his reactions reeked of arrogance and the inevitable “who does he think he is, Fergie?” comments.

Some of that I would agree with. Banning a journalist when it’s not even their headline (or headlines) is harsh but I think it would do some good to look at it from Barker’s perspective, instead of slating a manager who is still learning – and has been in management for roughly two years – for something which has now been completely blown out of proportion.

The headlines in question were ‘We Must Show More Ambition’ in quotes, when the actual quote was ’I know I have ambition, I hope the club have ambition too, that is the reason I came here’ and ‘Crawley won’t resort to lumping it like Evans did’ which paraphrased “Sometimes you have just got to put the ball in the box, but put it in with quality don’t lump it. They have had three years of watching that here, they don’t want to watch it anymore, surely?”

If I was Richie Barker I think I would be a little annoyed, firstly at being misquoted and secondly, having a quote completely taken out of context. In the first case it could easily be taken that he is criticising the club and the second that he is criticising a former employee of the club who is now manager of another club. Now I’ll admit that I didn’t think much of either headline when I saw the paper that day but if I’m honest I only skim through the sports section anyway, but if the paper continued to misquote and take out of context what he’s said I don’t blame him for wanting to put a stop to it.

What if he said something about his own contract like “I don’t know, it runs out at the end of the season and that’s all there is to say. I’m yet to talk to the board about extending it but I would like to” and the headline was ‘Barker doubts his future at Crawley.’ That could have potentially very severe consequences, so you can see where he’s coming from.

On the same line, he has to think about the damage that could be done to his reputation or image if the Crawley News continued to misquote him and paraphrase him in the way they have done. He’s only been in management for two years and if a future employer was to look at headlines about Barker, it could have consequences for any future job aspirations.

Something that did amuse but at the same time irritate me was that the paper ran a poll next to their article about the situation, asking readers “Has Crawley Town manager Richie Barker done a good job this season: Yes (28%) No (73%)” (which adds up to 101% – not sure how that works.)

The answer is yes, he’s done an excellent job, but of course a frustrating lack of wins recently and the fact we could have made the playoffs this season has led many fans to believe that he is a poor manager. The fact the poll is next to a negative article about Barker doesn’t help, and laughably the poll is nowhere to be found on the website other than there. I wonder why?

I’m not saying Barker was right to ban the journalist, not at all, but the Crawley News surely have to consider his point and instead of inciting fans against the manager, intentionally or not, surely it would have been better to deal with it in private? Instead the whole incident has been blown out of proportion and I get the feeling that a lot of fans who were previously content with Barker as manager will now turn against him, especially if the situation escalates. And that wouldn’t be fair, not for the players who would be affected by the negativity at games nor Barker who I believe is doing a great job.

I genuinely think some fans thought we would be getting automatic promotion again, but as I’ve said previously consolidation was the aim at the start of the season and despite our play-off hopes, that always was the aim, so to say he’s doing a bad job is as far from the truth as you can get.

But fans will always be fickle, and it doesn’t take much for some fans to change their opinion. For example, many were on the back of Jamie Proctor after a goalless first few games for the club, but a few weeks later he scored a brace against Crewe to give us our first home win since New Years Day and the crowd were chanting his name. He missed a good chance against Shrewsbury on Easter Monday, and of course he’s gone back to being good for nothing, lazy, and useless, among other things I probably shouldn’t repeat on here, despite scoring five goals in seven games during March.

The fickle nature of fans means that sadly this incident will probably overshadow what’s been a good season for Crawley Town, but on the other hand all will be forgiven if we make the playoffs next year.

Written by Louie Elmer, We Are Going Up’s Crawley Town blogger

Louie tweets at @louie_j_e

With 9 games left of the season, it will take an incredible run for Richie Barker’s Reds to make the play-offs. But can we do it?

10 points off the play offs with 9 to go, it doesn’t seem likely. However in recent weeks we’ve played and taken points off Leyton Orient, Yeovil, Swindon, Doncaster, Walsall and Notts County, all teams above us, and arguably all those games we deserved to win, only beating Orient out of the 6. Had we have won even just 3 of those games, we would be in a much better position and potentially in the play offs (I haven’t done the maths but we’d certainly be a lot closer). The good news is that we still have to play MK Dons, Coventry, Tranmere and Sheffield United, 4 of the 12 teams above us, and realistically we can win perhaps 3 out of those 4.

With the exception of Sheffield United, I think we should go into every one of our remaining 9 fixtures looking to get the win, starting with the visit of Crewe to the Broadfield on Saturday and then Stevenage on Good Friday- 2 wins from those games would see us on a role going into away trips to MK and Shrewsbury, again both games I think we can win. It’s then back to the Broadfield for what will be a huge game against Coventry, before returning to the road for two trips up north to Sheffield United and Oldham. Two home games to end the season, with Preston and then Hartlepool to visit.

All winnable games, but then our problem recently is that our performances haven’t got the results they’ve warranted. In particular the last 5 games, in which we are unbeaten but with 4 draws, and all 4 of those draws could and should have been wins. Unfortunately this has been all too often the case recently, with draws that should have been wins looking likely to cost us in our quest for a play off place.

Take Saturday’s game at Walsall for instance. An excellent strike for Jamie Proctor and a smart finish from Paul Hayes (more about him later) saw us comfortably 2-0 up but a horrendous injury time collapse saw us throw away what would have been a superb win. A deflected Jamie Paterson strike took the ball past Paul Jones in the first minute of 4 added on, before a low cross into the box bobbled over the otherwise excellent Connor Essam’s left foot for Will Grigg to slam home from 6 yards. It was harsh on the Reds, who after a slow first half had vastly improved in the second. A game we should have won but didn’t.

The draws against Notts County, Carlisle, Yeovil, Doncaster and Swindon all have the same feel of 2 points dropped rather than 1 gained. It’s a case of converting chances and being a bit more clinical than we are, which judging by the way recent results is easier said than done.

One man who might be able to help with that is recent loan signing Paul Hayes. The 29 year old striker on loan from Brentford for a month impressed me on Saturday, particularly his hold up play and he added a goal to his display. Him and Jamie Proctor look to have struck up a good partnership already, which has forced Billy Clarke out onto the wing. If he can hit a good run of form for the month (hopefully longer) that he’s here, that could go some way to propelling us up the table.

We have everything to gain, nothing to lose, and there’s no harm to be done by going for it, as Barker implied with a very attacking line up against Yeovil last Tuesday which saw us nearly take a win despite being 2-0 at half time. This season though I think will end in consolidation rather than a trip to Wembley. Maybe next year…

Written by Louie Elmer, We Are Going Up’s Crawley Town blogger

Louie tweets at @louie_j_e

In the last two months, Crawley’s form has taken a turn for the worse. Good form for the first 3 months of the season had seen the Reds in the play offs, but November heralded a run of poor form which saw the Reds take just 3 points from a possible 24- a shocking run of 8 games without a win lasting up until the 15th of December. Football is a game of fine margins- the slightest deflection can completely change a game, and that game can change the course of a season. Indeed, it was a deflected Dannie Bulman strike which earned Crawley the victory and their first win in 8. Whilst we were beaten 2-0 at home by Sheffield United the next game, a tight game which was decided by 2 bits of quality from Tony McMahon, snatching a win away at an in from side was a positive sign and it gave the players a bit more belief. They took that belief into the Boxing Day clash at Portsmouth and we came away with a 2-1 victory, one which we fought hard for and deserved. 2 days later we travelled to Bournemouth and put in a tired display, resulting in a 3-0 defeat. The scoreline was reversed however when Colchester visited the Broadfield Stadium, when goals from Mark Connolly, Billy Clarke  and Nicky Adams comfortably saw off the Essex side. So despite this, and sitting 1 point off the play-offs, why has Barker come in for so much criticism?

Some have pointed to his supposedly stubborn habit of not changing tactics (although if Football Manager has taught me anything, it’s that changing tactics constantly is counter-productive), some pointed to his apparent refusal to sign a striker during the loan window, which led me to believe he wanted a permanent option which we now have in Lateef Elford-Aleeyu, and some pointed to simply our poor run.

I think something a lot of football fans lack is perspective and patience. Football isn’t always black and white, and often you hear and see reactionary views and opinions of things which don’t take into account everything. For example, why did we go on this poor run? A lot of people, including myself, believed it was down to not having a goalscorer. Gary Alexander, whose poor form this season has led (unfairly in my opinion) to much derision, was expected to bare the brunt of the goalscoring weight, particularly after scoring 7 in 14 last season for us, but in my opinion his role in the side changed when Barker came in- in pre season he was on fire, but O’Driscoll left and Barker’s set up, whilst not completely different, involved Alexander sacrificing his goal scoring role for more of a work horse role, holding up the ball and bringing others into play, which has interestingly brought the best out of Billy Clarke. Let’s get one thing clear – Alexander is not a bad player. His goalscoring record is good, especially at this level, but he’s not playing in a role which allows him to score. In a goalscoring role, he is a penalty box player, who when the ball comes to him he knows how to put it in the back of the net. But I digress.

In 2007 we nearly went bust. Anyone who’s complaining about us when we’re 8th in League One is, for want of a politer term, an idiot. I’ll admit it was a minority, but the group of ”fans” who started singing ”sacked in the morning” to Barker during the Sheffield United game are also idiots. All it takes is a good run of form, something which we’re capable of, and we could be challenging even the automatic places. Sometimes it would do the negative, Barker bashing Crawley fans the world of good to step back, get some perspective and look at the bigger picture. Because despite the poor form, it’s not all bad.

Far from it. And a win tomorrow against Premiership opposition in the form of relegation strugglers Reading at the 3rd time of asking would be the perfect way to get the boo boys off his back. Not that he should need to of course. Personally I think we have a real chance. The atmosphere, for once, will be fantastic, Reading I believe will rest many of their star players and the players will be well up for it. It will be tight, but I really think we can nick it. Perhaps Gary Alexander will break his goal drought? I’ll go 1-0 Reds. Billy Clarke has made a habit of popping up with winners this season so he’ll do for the goalscorer.

Written by Louie Elmer, We Are Going Up’s Crawley Town blogger

Louie tweets at @LouieElmer

This summer was always going to be a strange one for Crawley – after all, nobody was really sure how we’d get on in our first season in League One. The general consensus however, was that consolidation should be the aim. After two promotions on the bounce, a season or two of stability is what’s required right now. Which is why, when Sean O’Driscoll was announced as new manager at the beginning of pre-season, I was delighted.

Attractive football, not what we had become accustomed to under Evans, astute in the transfer market, and he came across as an amicable character, someone who would work hard to establish the club in League One and hopefully beyond. But his tenure lasted all but two months before Nottingham Forest came calling for his services. Needless to say, he jumped ship and we were, for the second time this year, left managerless.

But in the short time he was manager, he left a considerable mark on the club. A new style of football, much preferred to Evans-ball, was implemented and when he left, it came as a bitter blow. Whoever the new manager would be, they were under a lot of pressure to keep the same style of football and produce results. Coach Craig Brewster or Director of Football Steve Coppell, who knew the players well and would ensure stability and continuity, were my prefered candidates, but neither seemed likely. Failing that, Sean Dyche, harshly sacked by Watford after leading them to 11th in the Championship last year, would have been a good appointment, but that never seemed on the cards.

A number of managers were considered, and consequently turned Town down including Dean Holdsworth, one of a worryingly long list. Then Crawley turned to a name which came as a surprise to everyone. Richie Barker of Bury. Even after doing a good job with Bury, carrying them across the promotion line to League One in the 2010-11 season, then steering them to mid table safety last campaign, I was dubious.

The board, however, seemingly weren’t so and in due course finally got their man. However in the days that have passed, I’ve become convinced that he’s the man for the job. Keeping the attractive style of football that O’Driscoll brought to the club and with intentions to stabilise and then build the club, he is exactly what was required. Whether he’s had enough time to stamp his authority on the team yet is unknown, but the appointment, whilst perhaps unexpected, has turned out to be a very astute one.

So for the new season consolidation is still the aim and anything more would be a bonus. Another promotion would see Crawley way out of their depth in the Championship, and could see the long term stability of the club severely under pressure. So for the first time in a good couple of years, I think we’re happy with mid table mediocrity.

The squad that will take us into our first season as a League One side is a mixture of the side that saw us promoted from League Two – only David Hunt, Michel Kuipers, Scott Neilson, Josh Simpson, Sergio Torres, Dannie Bulman, Charlie Wassmer and Kyle McFadzean remain from the legendary Conference winning side of two seasons ago – and new faces. Gone is much of the deadwood from last year, and in come Nicky Adams, Mat Sadler, Mark Connolly, Jonathan Forte, Nicky Ajose, and Paul Jones. Here I’ll run the rule over the squad.

Michel Kuipers is a veteran at 39, and will be second choice to Jones this season. Signed in the summer of 2010 on a free from Brighton, the former Dutch Marine has a tendency to make erratic decisions, such as those that led to him being sent off twice in his first two games for the club. However he has always done the job when called upon despite injury in the early part of 2011, which saw the now departed Scott Shearer replace him as number 1.

Paul Jones is already something of a hero with a fantastic performance in the penalty shootout against Millwall earlier this week, saving two of their three penalties. He’s an excellent shot stopper who is comfortable dealing with backpasses and that will make him first choice this season.

In defence is David Hunt, a fan favourite and stalwart of the double winning promotion side. Steve Evans converted him from a midfielder into a solid right back with a tendency to join in the attack. Largely second choice to Mark Connolly in pre-season although that may change under Richie Barker. Connolly is primarily a centre back, but used at right back during pre-season after signing on a free from Bolton. Solid and dependable, he will be first choice at right back if the warm up games are anything to go by.

*Big* Claude Davis is, in simple terms, a beast of a centre back. Signed on a free last September, he proved to be integral to our promotion last season and another good campaign is needed from the Jamaican tank after he penned a new contract on Friday. Kyle MaFadzean is a highly rated defender capable of playing in midfield – the 23 year old from Sheffield was a mainstay of the double winning promotion side, alongside first Pablo Mills and then Davis. He tackles and passes well, and proved to be formidable alongside Davis last season. The signing of a three year contract, as announced also on Friday, is a huge boost.

Charlie Wassmer is another highly rated young defender. The 21-year-old who signed from Hayes and Yeading in March 2011 initially on loan has proved to be a more than capable deputy at centre back. Largely blamed by Steve Evans for the 6-0 mauling suffered at the hands of Morecambe last season, he wasn’t given another chance until Evans departed, but could be a Premier League defender one day.

Experienced left back Mat Sadler completes the backline having arrived from Walsall and has the spot largely to himself this season, but seems a good fit and gets forward well.

In the midfield winger Scott Neilson was largely a bit part player last season, useful as an impact sub and scored the winning goal against Accrington to send us up to League One. He won’t feature much this season, but is still a useful player who can be terrifying on his day.

Dannie Bulman is a club legend. The box to box midfielder was sold to Oxford back in 2007 to help ease our financial woes, but rejoined in September ’10 and has been a regular since. Good passer, box to box, leader. Say no more.

Sergio Torres cemented his place in Crawley history with a dramatic late winner against Derby County two seasons ago in the FA Cup third round – an act which actually caused Steve Evans to run! The flamboyant midfielder is a fans favourite with his passing and hard work. Loves the club, the fans love him. A regular last season, the ever-smiling Argentine may not feature as much this season though.

Tricky winger Nicky Adams has signed from Rochdale following their relegation last season and he will be key with his passing and dirbbling. A great acquisition.

Also in the engine room is Josh Simpson, a good passer of the ball with good feet who was last season’s captain in place of the largely injured and now departed Pablo Mills. He has found it difficult to nail down a first team place since joining in January 2011 from Peterborough, but that seems to have changed under O’Driscoll and now Barker with the new style of play. It could be a big season for him.

The tenacious Hope Akpan joined from Everton on a free last summer found first team places hard to come by despite flashes of quality, but has excelled in pre season and is now one of the first names on the team sheet. Can hold in midfield, get forward or do the box to box role. Defensive midfielder Sean Cooper signed from Bournemouth this summer and is a player who can tackle, pass well and will prove a useful addition to the squad, but may struggle to get consistent first team action.

Arron Wickham is promising young midfielder who likes to get forward, and the first product of the revamped youth development and scouting system to break into the first team, featuring on the bench against Stoke in February.

Up top we have Billy Clarke – a tricky, versatile striker who can operate anywhere in an attacking role. Clarke will be the creative force upfront this year. He struggled for goals at first when he joined at the end of January, but has been prolific in pre season and will be crucial. He’s got Championship quality for sure. Alongside him is Gary Alexander who was brought in on loan last season from Brentford. The former Millwall and Leyton Orient man got the goals at the end of last season to get us up and will need to do so again this year whilst wearing the captain’s armband.

Maligned by many for his lack of goals since joining last summer, John Akinde or ‘Big John’ as I have christened him packs pace and power, but so often ruins his good work with a poor finish in front of goal. I’m one of the few who actually rates him, and he’ll need to have a good season this time round.

Jonte Smith was prolific at youth level last year and the 18 year old Bermudan has been promoted to the first team squad this time round and has an exciting future. He won’t feature much this season, but, like Arron Wickham, is a product of the youth system at Crawley and a good one at that.

Jonathan Forte signed on loan for three months earlier today, could prove useful this season, having spent time in this division with Notts County previously. Nicky Ajose, like Forte, has signed on loan for three months but this time with a view to a permanent deal. Quick and with an eye for goal, and still young, he could prove to be an inspired signing.

So there it is. The squad that will lead Crawley into League One and in my opinion a strong one.

The aim for this season is to consolidate and perhaps attain a top half finish if we’re lucky. Crawley host Scunthorpe on the opening day, a game which will tell us a lot about what we can expect from this season, and I’m going to stick my neck out and predict a 2-1 Crawley win, with Alexander and Adams getting the goals.

Of course, that’ll all come back to haunt me come 5:15pm tomorrow when we’ve lost 5-0 won’t it? Anyway, roll on the new season!

Written by Louie Elmer, We Are Going Up’s Crawley Town blogger

Louie tweets at @LouieElmer