Midfielder Simon Weatherstone has tipped boss Steve Evans to turn Crawley into a Blue Square premier force.

Weatherstone is one of six summer signings following his surprise release by Weymouth.

The 28-year-old has League experience with Oxford United and Yeovil and was a key player when Evans guided Boston into non-league's top flight title in 2005.

And he reckons Evans can weave his magic again at Broadfield Stadium.

Weatherstone said: "I have worked with the gaffer before and I know the way he is. He is a winner and I am as well so he is a good manager to play for.

"He has a knack of getting the best out of players. He wants you to be the best you possibly can in every game and to work hard. If you do that the results usually follow.

"I still want to win things in my career and hopefully I will be a big part in pushing Crawley forward. I didn't have to think twice about joining.

"He is building an exciting squad and it is going to be an exciting season. I don't want to make predictions but we have ambitious players and an ambitious manager so that is a good starting point."

Weatherstone admits he was surprised to be released by Weymouth after helping them avoid relegation and now wants to prove them wrong.

He said: "I was shocked to be honest because I was captain and I finished the season really strongly.

"But a lot of key players have left them. It was baffling for me but things have turned out well and I'm looking forward to doing well for Crawley."

Weatherstone is hoping Evans and other familiar faces will enable him to settle quickly at his new club.

He said: "It should not be too much of a problem. I know Crawley as a club and I have family who live in Worthing and Brighton so I know the area.

"My best friend Cookie (Jamie Cook) already plays here. We have known each other since we were 11-years-old and we came through the ranks at Oxford together. We then both went to Boston.

"I also know Bully (Dannie Bulman) from our time at Stevenage and Fletch (Steve Fletcher) because I live in Bournemouth.

"You always need time to get used to your team mates when you join a new club but it should be easier for me."

Crawley fans remember Weatherstone for the 25-yard volley he scored at Broadfield Stadium in a 1-1 draw last season which helped Weymouth beat the drop.

Weatherstone said: "I won't be scoring goals like that every week but I try and get my fair share. It was funny it came against Steve (Evans) because when I was at Yeovil I scored a 25-yard strike in his first league game back there as manager. He had a few words to say when I did it again!"