Rusk impressed by Crawley Town's progress

by Sam Munnery

sam.munnery@essnmedia.co.uk

Simon Rusk says it was Crawley Town's greater "ambition" that convinced him to sign for the club last week.

The versatile midfielder believes the Reds have given credibility to their goal of winning promotion by the progress made in the last two seasons.

Rusk arrived at the Broadfield Stadium on a free transfer last Wednesday after being released by York City, and the 27-year-old feels his new club have genuine forward momentum.

"I spent a week mulling over what I wanted to do before deciding it was the right thing for me," he said.

"Crawley are an ambitious club. Without wishing to be disrespectful to York, it's alright saying you are going to do something, but actually doing it is a different kettle of fish.

"The evidence that Crawley are moving forward is there. They have made good progress and York are just standing still. That's what sold me - the ambition of Crawley.

"I'm signing for a club that are trying to go in the right direction. I'm delighted with the move."

Rusk was released by York boss Martin Foyle at the end of the season, despite making more than 50 appearances for the Minstermen in a season that saw them narrowly avoid relegation from the Blue Square Premier.

He revealed he had interest from two other clubs in addition to Crawley, but decided to move south and team up with Steve Evans again, having played under the Reds boss at Boston United.

"I spoke to one or two other managers but I just fancied it down at Crawley," he said.

"They have had two very good seasons, the club has made progress and I wanted to be part of it.

"I have worked with Steve before - he's a demanding manager but I have seen him take some players onto the next level."

Rusk, who has signed a one-year contract at Crawley, says he has not come to the club with "a set agenda to nail down a particular position", and admits he is flexible about playing wherever he is asked.

He intends to move down to Brighton with his girlfriend and has a sister living in Croydon, but insists his decision was solely about football and could not hide his optimism at pulling on the red shirt of Crawley.

"I know Crawley have a strong squad from last year and have kept the core of that, so I am sure that with additions we will be looking towards the higher positions," he said.

"It's difficult to say we're going to do this or that at this stage, but I know Steve Evans puts good sides together and have no doubt it will be a similar situation at Crawley."

The Reds made two more signings last week, bringing in midfielder Eddie Hutchinson from Oxford United and striker Charles Ademeno from Southend United.