Crawley Town defender Akin Odimayo has outlined the team's ambition to make a significant impact in League Two this season. The 26-year-old, speaking this week, emphasised the desire to move on from a difficult previous campaign.

The Reds currently sit 21st in the table with four points from five games, scoring five goals and conceding eight. Their recent form reads LDLWL, leaving them eight points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. Head coach Colin Kazim-Richards, who guided the club to survival by a single point last term, is overseeing a period of change.

Akin Odimayo was clear about the collective target. "I'll start with the team. We want to bounce back from last season, leave an imprint on this league this season," the defender told reporters. After finishing 22nd and surviving by the narrowest of margins, the objective is clear improvement. Odimayo believes the new additions to the squad have integrated well despite sweeping personnel changes both on and off the pitch.

The former Swindon Town and Northampton Town player has found himself in an unfamiliar position recently. With Kellan Gordon suspended, Odimayo has filled in at right-back for the last three matches. He signed an 18-month contract with Crawley in January 2026 and has now been at the club for eight months. "Throughout my career, I've always played everywhere around the back, to be fair." he explained. This versatility has been a useful asset for the manager.

The start to the campaign has been mixed. Crawley have taken four points from their opening four games, with their only win and draw coming in their two away fixtures. Their next challenge is a trip to face Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium on Saturday, September 5. Stanley themselves are winless from their opening four games, setting up a potentially key early encounter. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops.

While his primary position is centre-back, Odimayo's ability to cover at full-back provides important depth. His experience across the back line is a valuable part of the squad assembled by Colin Kazim-Richards. The manager will hope this defensive flexibility can help solidify a team that has a negative three goal difference so far. Supporters can examine the defensive records and other key metrics on the club's stats page.

The focus now shifts entirely to the weekend's match away at Accrington Stanley, a game that offers a chance to climb the League Two table.