Dave Woozley is determined to leave the Kassam Stadium with some happy memories tomorrow.

The defender endured a depressing 13 months at Oxford United where he made just 15 appearances before being shipped out on loan to Yeovil Town.

He became so disillusioned with life at the Us that he jumped at the opportunity to join Crawley in the summer of 2005 despite the fact it meant dropping out of the Football League for the first time in his career.

Woozley admits the move to the Broadfield Stadium has put a smile back on his face and hopes that the return to his former club will give him more cause for celebration.

He said: "I've never played against too many of my old clubs because I've gone up and down the divisions so much so it should be a good experience.

"I was only at Oxford for a year and it was probably the most disappointing period of my career. I went there and it just didn't click. It wasn't through a lack of effort but for some reason I just didn't perform to the level I know I am capable of.

"Sometimes that just happens in football and I decided I had to leave to start afresh somewhere else and I'm grateful Crawley gave me that chance.

"I've still got a few friends there so it will be good to go back but it doesn't mean anything to me other than the opportunity to get three points."

Woozley has resurrected his career to such an extent since leaving the Kassam Stadium that he returns as not only as a key player in Crawley's relegation battle but also as joint caretaker-manager.

Together with Ben Judge and John Yems, Woozley has helped guide Reds out of the relegation zone since taking over the reins following John Hollins' departure at the end of October.

The honeymoon period appears to be over however after two defeats in their last two matches and Woozley admits it is important they get back on track as quickly as possible.

Reds followed their FA Trophy exit at Dagenham and Rebridge by going down 1-0 at Gravesend and Northfleet on Boxing Day but Woozley insists they will go to title favourites Oxford with a positive attitude.

Woozley said: "We were very disappointed with the Gravesend result because a lot of the players were not at the races. If people play badly you can accept it but the effort was not there.

"It may have been Boxing Day but we are professionals so the attitude has got to be right for every game. We had a brief chat after the game about it but the players know they let themselves down.

"It is not all doom and gloom because it was only one game and we have the opportunity to put it right against Oxford. There will be a big crowd and that should help get the lads up for it.

"It will be a tough game but we go there with nothing to fear. We are not going to sit back, we will go there to win the game. We are best suited to going forward with Tony Scully on the wing and a bit of pace up front and we can trouble them."

Mark Wright is expected to recover from a hamstring strain to retain his place in defence but striker Ben Strevens is still out.