New Crawley investor's plea to stayaway fans

11:18pm Thursday 3rd April 2008

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New investor Phil Jarman has urged Crawley fans to come out and support the club.

Reds play their first game since Lincolnshire-based company Prospect Estates Holdings Limited and former owner John Duly completed a takeover against York City tomorrow.

And local hairdresser Jarman wants to see a big turn-out to help get the new regime off to a good start.

Jarman said: "I cannot urge the supporters enough to come out and get behind the club. It would be great for the last few home games we have left if everyone in the town could give their support.

"I know there are a few stayaway fans from when the former owners were here but it is a fresh start now and hopefully people will come back and support the club."

Jarman was named along with businessman Tom Scott and Duly as part of the consortium to have taken control this week.

There are believed to be five more investors on board but the club are still to reveal their identity.

Former Boston United money-man Jon Sotnick has dismissed any involvement after being strongly linked with the takeover.

Sotnick helped bankroll the Pilgrims to the Football League during Reds boss Steve Evans' spell as manager of the Lincolnshire club.

He was rumoured to be part of Prospect Estates Holdings Limited because it shares the same address as Boston United Football Club Business Promotions Limited.

Sotnick, who is no longer involved in a football club, said: "You can dismiss me from the takeover completely. People have probably mentioned me because of Steve Evans but I am not involved whatsoever.

"I am talking to a Championship club and a Premiership club so I have no interest in Crawley."

Former owner Chas Majeed has also insisted he had nothing to do with the takeover, despite being praised for his role in the deal.

Majeed and his brother Azwar bought the club from Duly three years ago under the company name The SA Group.

He was forced to step down as chairman and told he could not have any involvement in the running of the club after being declared as a registered bankrupt.

But it is understood he played a big part in the takeover after his brother Azwar was sent to jail and was praised by Jarman for his continued funding during the purchase process.

Majeed said: "I don't know anything about the takeover. I've had nothing to do with it and have never had anything to do with running the club.

"Azwar is the person you need to talk to and you can't do that because he is in the clink."

Crawley are hoping a change of owner off the pitch will signal a change in form on it against the Minstermen following four straight defeats.

York have also been struggling, having failed to win in their last four games.

Evans said: "With the new ownership, it is important we give a good performance and try to give them and the supporters a win.

"York lost against Stevenage the other night but missed a penalty late on and could have won. They are a very good side so it will be tough."

Glenn Wilson, Mustapha Carayol and Jamie Stevens remain injury doubts for Reds.

Probable teams Crawley: Ashley Bayes, Tyrone Thompson, Bradley Thomas, Keiran Murphy, James Krause, Thomas Pinault, Dannie Bulman, Lee Blackburn, Ryan Hall, Jamie Cook, Jon-Paul Pittman. Subs from: Pierre Joseph-Dubois, Nick Carter, Mithun Nayee, Ollie Barton, Paul Raynor.

York: Josh Mimms, Anthony Lloyd, David McGurk, Danny Parslow, Darren Craddock, Stuart Elliott, Nicky Wroe, Ben Purkiss, Simon Rusk, Martyn Woolford, Richard Brodie. Subs from: Leo Fortune-West, Mark Robinson, Onome Sodje, Tommy Evans, Chris Hall.

Will you be returning to the Broadfield Stadium now the Majeeds have gone>