U's fan Chris Vessey talks to James Baker, 45, an Crawley Town supporter living in Crawley and currently working for an international airline.

CV - It's been yet another summer of turmoil at Crawley Town so we'll cut straight to the chase - how do things stand with regards to the ownership of the club and your financial status?

The CVA has been paid. The Blue Square Premier Board have deducted us another six points for financial irregularities (that covers a multitude of sins). The club has an appeal against this due to be heard on the 10th October. There is still a large amount of disquiet about the finances among the fans, mostly on how we can afford our playing budget with the salary cap.

CV - This summer you appointed Steve Evans as your new manager. How has he done in his first few months and were the fans happy with the appointment of a man with such a controversial football past?

The fans were not happy with the appointment of Evans, whereas I am personally willing to give him a chance because although his past is a concern everyone who serves his debt to society should be given another chance. He has definitely signed some good players.

CV - With the points deduction under appeal, is there a worry you might be hit with a heavier points penalty, or worse, kicked out of the league?

Not knowing the ins and outs of why the points deduction was imposed I am worried the total points may be increased. I think an expulsion from the league at this stage would not help anyone, least of all the league. It is a worry though..

CV - Concentrating on the football side of things, you must be delighted with the start to the season?

We have more points on the board than I would have predicted, but we are patchy. Our forward line is quick, strong and will score goals. The addition of Pablo Mills helps strengthen our defence but the loss of Ben Judge is a blow. The injury to Bradley Thomas is also a worry.

CV - We currently have former Crawley players Danny Brown and Scott Rendell performing wonderfully well for Cambridge; how were they during their time at the Broadfield Stadium?

Danny was a good player for us. No way a fans' favourite though. I think he played a few games with an injury and every mistake he made seemed to end in a goal.

'Ruth's' goals were part of our survival last season. We'll boo him but he will always have a welcome back at Crawley!

CV - You've made some interesting signings pre-season, who are the players that could cause Cambridge United problems this coming weekend?

Madjo and Pitman (if he plays - he was injured last game) are a good forward pairing and Pinault from the midfield can spot a pass. Magno Vieria can cause everyone problems (he was part of the Carlisle side that won promotion a couple of seasons ago). I would definitely match him against Danny Brown.

CV - Hand on heart, where do you see Crawley Town in two years time?

British Gas Southern Division. The finances will catch up with us sooner or later.

CV - What has been your opinion of Cambridge United since we joined you in Blue Square Premier?

I think you struggled last year and you must have been looking over your shoulders towards the end of the season. Now you have made some good signings and may challenge for the title this year. I loved the cows when I went into your ground. It took an age to get out of the car park though...

CV - And finally... what do you think the score will be on Saturday?

Cambridge will be favourites after your good start but I think you'll have to play well to beat us. I'll go for a 2-2 draw.

Many thanks to James for giving his time to answer these questions.

Chris Vessey

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