CRAWLEY have made their first move to strengthen their promotion-chasing squad by agreeing a permanent deal for midfielder Dannie Bulman.

The 31-year-old, who has made 160 appearances for the club in two spells, will sign a contract until the end of the 2011-12 season when his three-month loan from Oxford United finishes on Boxing Day.

Bulman will not be able to play against Hayes and Yeading on December 28 as his loan will have expired and he cannot sign his new deal until January 1. No fee is involved.

But boss Steve Evans believes Bulman will play a pivotal role in Reds’ bid to win promotion to the Football League.

Evans said: “Everything is agreed with Dannie and we’re delighted to have him with us on a permanent basis.

“Dannie has seen this is a different club to the one he was at before.

“He is great on the pitch – a real leader – and great in the dressing room as well.”

Reds are considering investing in protective pitch covers after last night’s Blue Square Bet premier game against Mansfield failed to beat the freeze.

The game was postponed because of a frozen Broadfield pitch after a morning inspection with no prospect of the surface thawing out, especially after an afternoon snowstorm left a further inch of snow on the pitch.

Chief executive Alan Williams said: “You have to have a set to be a member of the Football League so they will be purchased in the summer, if not before.”

It was a huge disappointment to the club who may lose out on TV revenue if Premier Sports, who were going to televise the game live, opt not to do so on its rescheduled date of Tuesday, March 1 (7.45pm).

Reds had designated the game free entry to all spectators but will now throw open the gates instead on December 28 against Hayes and Yeading.

Evans is expected to watch FA Cup opponents Derby today when they entertain Reading in the Championship and is convinced his side can pull off an even bigger shock than the second round win over Swindon.

He said: “I live in the real world. I know they could come down here and turn us over three or four-nil. People will think I’m mad but I think we’ve got a chance.

“When we beat Swindon it was the most complete team performance in the three years I have been here so why can’t we do that again? A bit of magic from the likes of Sergio Torres and Matt Tubbs – whatever it takes – and we can beat them.”

Tickets for the game went on sale yesterday and will be available at the Broadfield from 9am-noon today and during normal office hours next week.

Reds are trying to re-unite the players who appeared in the club’s only other FA Cup third round appearance.

They want the team which lost 5-0 to Albion at the Goldstone in 1992 to be their guests at next month’s third-round tie against Derby County at the Broadfield.

Williams explained: “Tony Vessey is getting in touch with as many of the players who were in the side that day but we would love anyone who played who has not been contacted to get in touch with the club.”