Kazim-Richards hopes to avoid relegation 'explosion'

Figure caption,

Kazim-Richards: 'I've been here, I've done it'

  • Published
ByJames DunnBBC Sports ReporterandMatthew CresswellBBC Sport England

Crawley Town boss Colin Kazim-Richards hopes his side avoids an "explosion" as he prepares them for their crucial final day of the season clash against promotion-hunting Salford City in a bid to stay in the Football League.

The Red Devils are sat outside the relegation places on goal difference, four goals better off than second-bottom Harrogate Town, with the two clubs locked on 39 points after 45 matches, and Newport County and Tranmere Rovers still in danger just a point above.

Kazim-Richards took over the club following Scott Lindsey's dismissal in March and after winning his first two matches in charge against Gillingham and fellow strugglers Newport, Crawley are now on a run of four League Two matches without victory.

On Saturday, they host Salford who currently sit fourth in the table, and are looking to dislodge Cambridge United in third, with Neil Harris' men a point better off and with a much healthier goal difference.

"It's going to be huge. It's going to be something that the fans will appreciate because for the last seven games, they [the players] have given everything," Kazim-Richards told BBC Radio Sussex.

"It would be an absolute explosion if we don't do what we are supposed to do. Simple fact. Ten months of a season which has been an absolute grind - it's been one of those seasons where we've been stuck in the mud.

"But if we put it to bed with three points, we're looking forward to the next season. You're sending out subliminal [messages] to the rest of the league."

After suffering relegation from League One last April, Crawley's 15-year long stint in the Football League is under serious threat.

And before the match, 39-year-old Kazim-Richards, in his first managerial job, has called on supporters to make themselves heard on Saturday.

He said: "If you can get down [to The Broadfield Stadium], I'd ask you to please come down.

"Fans are important. Especially, fans of local clubs - we need your voice. We need you here.

"I hear it's going to be 23, 24 degrees. Come down and let the players know that you're here. Come and watch us do what we need to do to keep your club safe."