New striker Danny Forrest is preparing to change his life to be a success at Crawley.

The 23-year-old has made the tough decision to move away from his family and friends in his native Yorkshire for the first time to sign for Reds.

The former Bradford City frontman joined from Halifax, who are on the brink of liquidation, and is relishing the change TO his career and personal life.

He said: "This is not just a new challenge for my football, it is also a new challenge in my life. I have been living in the same area all my life and I felt I needed to freshen things up.

"I hadn't really thought about moving away before but when the opportunity came along, it felt like the right thing to do.

"It was a big decision for me and when I told my family and mates, they were happy for me in some ways and not in others because I'm moving away.

"When I was at Bradford I lost my enthusiasm for football a bit. I would go as far to say that I went stale.

"The move to Halifax revitalised me and I got my hunger back but it was time to leave because of what is going on at the club.

"This is another fresh start and I'm really looking forward to it. I had a few other offers but everything about Crawley felt right so I went for it."

Forrest will start house hunting in the area next week along with fellow new striker Lewis Killeen, who has also joined Crawley from Halifax.

He said: "I have my big mate Lewis with me which will help me settle down and I've heard the rest of the lads are a really good bunch.

"I have a holiday coming up and then I will start looking for somewhere to live. I've already had a look on the internet and Lewis and I had a look around when we came down, so I know prices are higher than they are up north."

Forrest echoed most of Crawley's summer signings when he admitted hearing the ambitions of boss Steve Evans persuaded him to join the club.

Steve Fletcher, Chris Giles and Killeen have all revealed their moves were influenced by what Evans had to say.

Forrest said: "The manager made me feel welcome and said he had big things for me football-wise. When someone tells you that, it makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own ability.

"I want to get promoted and I wouldn't have joined the club if I didn't think I could do it with them.

"The gaffer made it clear he wants to go up and wants me to be a big part of what he is doing.

"That doesn't mean I will take my place for granted but it is certainly a good start."

Crawley are hoping Torquay goalkeeper Simon Rayner will be their next new addition.

Evans, who is currently on holiday, has offered the Canadian-born stopper a contract and is waiting to hear if he will choose Reds ahead of interest from other clubs.