Crawley boss fears summer exodus (From The Argus)

Crawley boss fears summer exodus

3:30pm Monday 11th March 2013 in Sport By Steve Hollis

Richie Barker fears a lack of money could see Crawley lose a number of key players during the summer.

Josh Simpson, Mustapha Dumbuya, Matt Sparrow, right, Joe Walsh and Lateef Elford-Alliyu are all out of contract in the summer and have yet to agree new deals.

Barker is keen to keep the majority of his current squad together to build for next season but is aware finances may prevent that happening.

The Reds boss said: “I would like all the players who are out of contract to stay but that might not be my decision. That is the problem we are going to have with all players because we can’t pay the money most clubs can pay.”

Meanwhile, Barker insists Crawley will not give up on reaching the play-offs despite remaining ten points off the top six following a goalless draw with Notts County on Saturday.

He added: “We are still in with a chance and while it is mathematically possible will keep trying. “We didn’t get what we deserved on Saturday but it means we have edged a point closer and for this club to be anywhere near the top six is fantastic in itself.”