Skipper Jimmy Smith believes the future for Crawley Town is bright after signing a new contract with the League Two club.

The midfielder has agreed a two-year extension to his deal which was due to run out at the end of the season and has an option of a further year which would take him up to June 2020.

Smith said: “I have really enjoyed playing under Dermot this season and feel that being captain as well and the responsibility it brings has made me a better player.

“I think the future of the club is really bright. Everyone from the owner, Mr Eren, down are ambitious to take Crawley Town forward and I look forward to being a big part of what I believe is going to be an exciting era for the club.”

Smith joined Reds from Stevenage in 2014 and made 92 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.

He has flourished since being reunited with his former Chelsea youth coach Dermot Drummy this season and being given the extra responsibility of captaincy.

Drummy said: “Jimmy’s been brilliant since I came to the club. He has really embraced the role I want him to play in the team and is a real leader of the group, on and off the field.

“I think it also shows the intention of the board to build a strong squad of players going forward which we all hope can bring the club success.”

Crawley travel to in-form Carlisle United today hoping to end the Cumbrians’ unbeaten record this season.