In our continuing series profiling Newport County’s new 2025-26 League Two opponents, we take a closer look at Crawley Town, who return to the division following relegation from League One last season.
After just one season in the third tier, following their dramatic play-off promotion in 2023-24, the Red Devils are aiming to regroup, rebuild, and quickly reassert themselves in League Two.
A Brief History
Crawley Town were founded in 1896 and spent the majority of their history in regional football before bursting onto the national scene in the early 2010s.
They secured promotion to the Football League for the first time in 2011 after winning the Conference Premier, and made an immediate impact by earning back-to-back promotions, reaching League One in 2012.
Crawley famously reached the Fifth Round of the FA Cup in the 2010-11 season, setting up a memorable clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Their stay in League One lasted until 2015, followed by an eight-year spell in League Two before promotion back to the third tier in 2024. After just one season, Crawley now return to League Two for the 2025-26 campaign, determined to bounce back quickly and re-establish themselves.
Who’s the Boss?
Scott Lindsey is back at the helm for Crawley Town.
Lindsey guided the Red Devils to promotion in 2023 before departing for MK Dons ahead of the 2024-25 season. However, he returned to Crawley in March 2025 to help steady the ship in the closing stages of their League One campaign.
Despite relegation, Lindsey is known for his positive, forward-thinking style of football and his ability to build resilient, well-organised sides. With valuable EFL experience and a strong connection to both the club and its players, Lindsey is the man tasked with leading Crawley’s push for an immediate return to League One.
Key Players
Junior Quitirna was a standout performer for Crawley despite relegation, scoring eight league goals from midfield last season. His creativity and eye for goal will once again be vital if Crawley are to mount a serious promotion challenge.
New signing Harry McKirdy will be hoping to fire the Red Devils forward in the 2025-26 campaign. McKirdy brings proven experience at this level from spells with Carlisle United, Swindon Town, and Bromley FC. Known for his direct running and attacking flair, he could quickly become a key figure at Broadfield Stadium.
Club captain Dion Conroy remains central to Crawley’s plans. The experienced defender is not only a leader on the pitch but also a steadying influence at the heart of the backline. His composure and organisational skills will be crucial as Crawley look to bounce straight back.
The Stadium
Crawley Town play their home matches at the Broadfield Stadium, which has a capacity of just over 6,000. Compact and atmospheric, it has been the club’s home since 1997.
Known for generating a strong local following, Crawley’s fans will be eager to make the stadium a fortress again in League Two.
Head-to-Head Record
Newport County and Crawley Town have contested several close battles in League Two in recent years, before Crawley’s promotion to League One in 2024.
Across 17 league meetings between 2015 and 2024, Newport recorded four wins, Crawley claimed eight victories, and the other five matches ended in draws. It has been a competitive fixture that has often been tightly contested.
Last Time Out
The most recent competitive clash between Newport County and Crawley Town came in April 2024 at Rodney Parade.
Crawley were deserved winners on the day, securing three points with a 4-0 victory over the Exiles.
Watch the highlights from that match here.
As Newport County get ready for another League Two campaign, we look forward to the next meeting with Crawley when the fixtures are confirmed on June 26.
You can also check out our In the Spotlight features on the newly promoted sides Barnet and Oldham Athletic.