CRAWLEY TOWN INTERESTED IN GILLS CONNOR ESSAM
Young Gills central defender Connor Essam (right) is expected to leave Priestfield before the end of the month after Gills manager Martin Allen made him available on a free transfer and, according to GillsConnect sources, has alerted League One Crawley Town.
Dartford manager Tony Burman admitted that the club’s part-time status was the stumbling block after failing to bring Essam back to the club after he had impressed during a loan stay at Princes Park at the start of last year.
Connor had also made nine appearances during a two-month spell with Dartford’s Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Luton Town earlier this season but Connor’s agent has been talking to clubs that are full-time and Burman said, "We did enquire but it didn’t come off. Circumstances have changed now, Essam’s on the transfer list and his agent is looking for a full-time club."
FRIDAY 18 January 2013
Crawley Town are the front runners for Connor’s signature as manager Richie Barker is seeking a quick replacement as Kyle McFadzean is possibly on his way to Bristol City following fitness tests. The 25-year-old defender has spent seven weeks on the sidelines after a serious virus.
Richie Barker admits that losing defender McFadzean is the equivalent of losing "ten points a season" saying, "He would be very difficult to replace because he is probably one of the best centre-halves in League One, he is one of our best players."
The Crawley boss confirmed he is already looking for a defender to replace McFadzean. "I've been looking at a couple because I always knew there was a chance Kyle might go." Barker continued, "I don't know how much of any transfer fee would be made available. The board will come to me and I will say how much someone is worth and then it is up to them."
