Crawley Town Player of the Year Joe Walsh happy to stay put

Crawley Town’s newly crowned Player of the Season Joe Walsh says he’s happy to continue plying his trade at the Broadfield.
Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211419004Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211419004
Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211419004

The talented young Welsh centre-back picked up the award after Reds’ final game on Saturday, and was also named Crawley Observer Young Player of the Season.

Veteran midfielder Dannie Bulman scooped the Crawley Observer Player of the Year, having been one of the side’s most consistent performers, making an incredible 43 appearances at the age of 35.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both were popular winners in front of the Crawley fans, and for Walsh it has been another season in which he has dramatically risen his own stock, the 21-year-old having scored an impressive five goals in 43 appearances.

Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211335004Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211335004
Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211335004

The Wales Under-21 star’s partnership with Kyle McFadzean at the heart of the defence has been a real reason for optimism.

Both were subject to January offers with Walsh turning down the chance to leave after a £400,000 offer came in from an unnamed club. The defender would command a far bigger transfer fee with both centre-backs having another year on their Crawley contracts, though for now at least Walsh is happy right where he is.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw with Carlisle on Wednesday night, Walsh said: “I’ll see what happens in the summer. I’ll carry on playing the way I’m playing, it doesn’t really affect me (speculation about my future).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m playing first team (football) and enjoying it and that’s what I want to be doing so I’m happy here.”

Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211754004Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211754004
Crawley Town V Bristol City and end of season awards (Pic by Jon Rigby) PPP-140305-211754004

McFadzean and Walsh are friends away from football and rent with each other. Both are likely to again attract the attentions of some big clubs this summer and with manager John Gregory saying he wants to base a new Crawley on the defensive pair it is good news they are both enjoying their football.

Walsh scooped a number of other awards as well, winning the Dave Haining Award for most man of the match nominations during the season, as well as being named the Supporters Alliance Young Player of the Year.

Mike Jones was Goal of the Season for his strike from the halfway line against Newport County in the JP Trophy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There were also a number of awards from the club to rewards the unsung heroes.

They were:

Community award: Maidenbower Juniors

Commerce award: KRL, sponsors of the North Stand

Award of merit: Long-serving steward and Reds’ fan Terry Marshall

Family Supporters of the Season: Carol and Nathan Bates

Supporter of the Year: Ted Covey.