Former Crawley favourite Ernie Cooksey wants to reunite with boss Steve Evans at Broadfield Stadium.

Cooksey was part of the Boston United side relegated from the Football League under Evans on the final day of last season.

The 26-year-old joined the Lincolnshire club during the January transfer window from Rochdale.

He is now a free agent after the Pilgrims were plunged into administration.

Cooksey spent a successful season with Reds four years ago, before securing a move to Oldham to launch his League career.

He would jump at the chance to return to his old stomping ground if new manager Evans decided to sign him for a second time.

He said: "I really enjoyed my time at Crawley and, although I know at lot has changed there since my time, I would definitely like to come back and play for them.

"I don't know the ins and outs of what has been going on there but I still talk to (defender) Ben Judge and look out for their results.

"I am quite settled in Manchester with my girlfriend now but if I was going to move back down to London, then Crawley would be the perfect club to play for."

Evans took over last week along with assistant Paul Raynor after quitting Boston.

Cooksey describes the Glaswegian as "volatile" but believes he can bring success to Reds in the newly named Blue Square premier.

He said: "The style of football he plays is at a very high tempo and is very direct. It is in-your-face stuff and if he can get the right players, it can be very effective, especially at Conference level.

"We had a bit of a rough time at Boston because the players were not being paid. But I'm sure he will do okay, it depends what players he manages to get."

Evans is hoping to start his summer singing spree this week after talking to a number of targets.

He only has six players currently on contract and says he wants to work with a squad of 18.

Raynor, who was in charge over the weekend while Evans attended a coaching course, said: "We have spoken to players but at the moment most are keeping their options open and do not want to commit themselves.

"That always happens at this time of year so it is not a problem. We have told them our ambitions and hopefully they will decide to come to us. Things could happen any day now, we just have to wait but we are confident about things."

The new management team are planning to take the players on a five-day training camp during pre-season to help team bonding.

Raynor said: "It is something we have always done at Boston and we want to do it again. It will be paid for by a new sponsor who is coming on board and will be a good way for Steve and I to really get to know the lads.

"It will be a specialist training centre and will really improve the players' fitness."

Raynor has so far enjoyed his time at Crawley and has no regrets about taking on the job.

He said: "It has been a hectic week for Steve and I but it has been enjoyable. People could not have been any more helpful and we have been made welcome.

"We have a lot of work to do and we are looking forward to the challenge."

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