Scott Malone is targeting a return to Crawley Town after his summer departure, with the experienced left-back stating he sees the club as his own. The 35-year-old is currently training with a group of free agents as he seeks a new professional contract.
He believes his contribution was significant in the club retaining its EFL status. "I'd like to think I was a massive part of them keeping their EFL status," Malone said. The club, however, opted for a different direction in the summer, focusing on younger recruits, and the two parties could not agree on a new deal.
The defender's exit was a result of a contract impasse. With the transfer window closed, Malone found himself without a club and turned to his local side, Three Bridges, in the Isthmian Premier Division. He scored a late equaliser away at Dulwich Hamlet during a brief three-game spell. That stint ended due to Football Association regulations, which would have prevented him from signing for a professional club until January if he played beyond the transfer deadline.
Now, he is on a training camp for free agents organised by the Professional Footballers' Association. He is working alongside former Huddersfield Town teammate Elias Kachunga, ex-Preston North End midfielder Daniel Johnson, and Jonny Williams, the former Crystal Palace and Wales international.
Malone has kept a close eye on his former club, which is currently 21st in League Two with four points from five games. Their recent form reads LDLWL, having scored five goals but conceded eight. He sees a gap in the squad he could fill. "I see it as my club," he stated. "They've brought a lot of younger players in and I do think they lack that little bit of experience."
His own career includes spells at Fulham, Cardiff City, Derby County, and Gillingham, and he started a season in the Championship with Millwall just four years ago. That depth of know-how is something he feels could benefit a side sitting eight points behind leaders Bristol Rovers. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and view the full squad list online.
The door appears to be open from the player's perspective. Malone confirmed he would happily return to Broadfield Stadium if an acceptable offer was presented. Whether the club's management, who are eight points off the pace, feels the need to add his type of veteran presence is not yet clear. The immediate focus for Scott Lindsay's side is improving on a -3 goal difference and climbing the table.
For now, Malone remains in training, ready for a call. The next opportunity for Crawley to strengthen will be in the January window, but a free agent could be signed outside of that period. The club's upcoming fixtures present a tough challenge to turn their form around.
