Ade Adeyemo says “a dark time” at Crawley Town is now completely behind him, as he looks towards a more positive future at the League Two club.
The 27-year-old signed a new two-year contract with the Reds this week, six months after he thought his Crawley career was over when he was axed from the squad amid a relegation battle.
“I’m very happy to be signing for this great club again,” he told BBC Radio Sussex.
“I can’t say that I would have thought I would be here, but it’s credit to the hard work I’ve put in and the people behind the scenes. I’m just really happy here.”
On 1 January, Crawley lost 2-1 at Barnet, leaving them just two points above the relegation zone. Adeyemo came on for the last 10 minutes, but that was the last action he would see for more than six weeks.
He was left out of the squad by manager Scott Lindsey for seven games following a remarkable signing spree in the January transfer window with 13 players joining in an attempt to reignite their season.
“January was a dark time,” Adeyemo said. “[It was] not one of my favourite months.”
Briefly, the changes had the desired effect and Adeyemo watched as wins over relegation rivals Barrow and Harrogate Town, crucial come the end of the season, put them six points clear of the drop zone.
As results took a downward turn again, Adeyemo was recalled by Lindsey and featured in a handful of games, before the manager lost his job on 23 March, with the club just one point above the trapdoor to the National League.
‘I never saw myself as a full-back’
But the combination of a new manager in Colin Kazim-Richards and a forced switch to right-back gave Adeyemo a fresh lease of life.
“Because of a few injuries, I had to fill in there,” he said. “I had a good game against Gillingham and it just followed on for the last seven games, where I did well.
“I was really on board with it and I was having fun in that position as well.
“I could never see myself as a full-back, I’ll be honest. Before I came here I was a winger or a number 10, so to now say I’m a full-back is a bit crazy, but I’m definitely embracing the challenge.
“There’s still a few bits I definitely need to learn and pre-season is the perfect time for that.”
It is also a time to banish the memories of last season’s scrap for survival, only secured on the final day. More new arrivals, including midfielder Jude Arthurs from League Two champions Bromley, are prompting optimism.
“I’m surprised that we got Jude,” Adeyemo said. “He won the league and to see him there is a great morale boost for all the boys in the changing room.
“I think we can do big things. Obviously, it’s a new slate for everyone. With the team we’ve got and the mentality in this building, I think we can go really far.”
About the Author
