Dannie Bulman is ready to hit the open water - and prepare for another season at Crawley.

The long-serving midfielder has secured a one-year contract extension after passing 35 league starts for the campaign.

He will keep fit and sharp during the summer by enjoying his other sporting love – open-water swimming.

Bulman’s new deal means he will be playing League Two football when he is 40.

But he is in as good a shape as ever.

Bulman told The Argus: “There’s a lake near me and I really enjoy open-water swimming.

“Get out there early in the morning and it is a great way to start the day.

“It’s a different type of fitness and it’s not so hard on the legs and joints.

“And it’s good for the mind as well.

“I do it during the summer months from about this time of year, 1,000 or 2,000 metres.”

Bulman, who will turn 40 in January, is the marathon man of the Reds midfield with 358 appearances across three spells.

But he is enjoying his football at the Checkatrade Stadium as much as ever.

He said: “Obviously my age is always mentioned but I feel fit and can still be a part of Crawley’s future.

“I’m a different player to what I was last time I was at Crawley, more of a defensive role.

“I think people are quite shocked when they realise I’m 39. People are like, ‘Bloody hell!’ “I don’t know what the secret is but I feel good and people tell me you are a long time retired.”

Bulman says the style of football encouraged by boss Harry Kewell has had a rejuvenating effect.

He added: “It has been quite refreshing. He wants us to pass it.

“That has given me that extra enthusiasm to keep going.

“My whole career has been about getting it forward and winning second balls.”

Reds close their home programme at home to Crewe today (3pm).

On-loan favourite Karlan Ahearne-Grant is expected to return from injury for his Checkatrade Stadium farewell.