Former AFC Wimbledon star Dannie Bulman: 'Some of the best days in my career have come at Crawley Town'

Bulman, 38, agreed to comeback for a third stint with League 2 Reds last month.

Since his arrival, Crawley have moved to appoint a new manager - former Leeds and Liverpool star Harry Kewell - and he revealed he’s had positive talks with the ex-Australian international.

During his second spell at the Checkatrade Stadium, Bulman won promotion from the then Conference Premier, as well as achieving the same feat in League 2 the following season.

Having had a brief chat with new head coach Kewell, the talented midfield man Bulman believes the team should have high hopes for the upcoming campaign. He said: “We haven’t set any goals as a team as of yet but I see no reason why we can’t win promotion this season.

“It’s all about setting aims ahead of any season and we’ll want to finish as high as we can as a team.

“My previous stint with Crawley was during one of the most successful times for the club. Not many teams manage to achieve back-to-back promotions but I was part of the team that managed that here.

“I’m sure the manager has his own plans and ideas for this football club, as players and management staff we want to make Crawley successful.”

Despite being signed before Kewell was appointed Crawley boss, Bulman still has high hopes he can play a key part for the team. The 38-year-old has featured 30 times or more over the past six seasons for Crawley and AFC Wimbledon, which is a feat he feels he could achieve over the course of next season. He added: “I had a lengthy chat with Harry (Kewell) over the phone, which was a nice touch from him. He was a great player and played for some massive clubs, now he’s trying to make his way in management.

“Everyone has to start somewhere when they make a move into management and the players, along with Harry, will want to make it a success.”

Following a three-year stay with AFC Wimbledon, Bulman admitted he’d always hoped to finish his career with Crawley.

After the opportunity arose earlier in the summer, the 38-year-old revealed he jumped at the chance to comeback and said: “Crawley’s a club that has always been close to my heart. I’d always hoped to comeback one day, so when the chance came it was one I was always going to take.

“Some of the best days in my career have come at this club and hopefully I’ll be able to have more success this time around.

“I’m excited ahead of the challenge in store with Crawley this season and then who knows from there.”

Kewell was delighted when he was told the club had secured Bulman’s services for a third time.

Kewell, speaking to the Crawley Observer at the Checkatrade.com Stadium yesterday (Tuesday), said: “With Dannie, I am pleased.

“He brings a wealth of experience, he knows the league, and when they told me that we had got him I was extremely happy because the way that he plays works very well first and foremost, so I am excited about that.”

Speaking at his first press conference three weeks ago, Kewell said: “I have seen him and it’s excellent reviews I have received, especially the amount of games he has played and the fact that ‘age is only a number’ is perfect for me.”