Crawley Town name former Everton man as new CEO

Mr Dunford takes over from former CEO Richard Low, who left earlier this month, and has been involved at the highest level of the game for more than two decades.

He held several roles at Derby County, where he began his career before moving to Premier League Everton in 1999 as their new CEO, and following five years at Goodison Park he spent another five years in a similar role at Plymouth Argyle.

In 2009 he was appointed chief executive of Birmingham City and since July 2010 has been a judicial panel member of the Football Association.

Reds Co-owner Susan Carter said: “We are delighted to bring a man of Michael’s calibre and experience to the football club in this key role.

“His CV is outstanding but what impressed us just as much was his passion to help take Crawley Town forward. He has vast experience in all aspects of football management including the administrative, finance and commercial sectors as well as a commitment to making sure the match-day experience for our fans is the best it can be.

“We look forward to working with Michael and I’m sure our supporters will make him feel welcome.”

Mr Dunford said: “I am delighted to take up this position at a club whose rise up the football ladder in the last few years has been of great interest to me.

“When I spoke with members of the board I knew this was a role I am really going to enjoy. They care deeply about the club and its supporters and want to continue to progress, although they are realistic about what we can achieve while we endeavour to build our fan base and improve our revenue streams.”