CONFERENCE: Crawley sign Hodgson

Crawley Town have snapped up creative midfielder Richard Hodgson, who signed for the Red Devils at the Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday. Hodgson was a free agent after having his contract cancelled by Conference rivals Stevenage earlier this month.

Hodgson, 25, played more than 100 Football League games for Darlington in his native north-east and also has Conference experience with Farnborough and Forest Green. The left-footed player can operate either in central midfield or on the left wing.

The Red Devils are hopeful that Hodgson will be able to make his debut in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday, subject to final checks on his eligibility. His squad number has yet to be finalised.

Crawley manager Francis Vines said: "Much has been said about our lack of goals recently but I am confident our strikers can get the job done. But I do think we need to improve the quality of delivery in to the front men and Richard's signing should help to achieve that. I watched him on a number of occasions at Farnborough last season and I am confident he has the abilities we have been lacking lately."

Hodgson said: "I have been impressed with the set-up at Crawley and I'm delighted to join such an ambitious club."

Sunderland-born Hodgson began his career as a trainee with Nottingham Forest and featured in one Football League game for Scunthorpe before becoming a regular at Darlington, where he made 115 appearances in what was then Division Three from 2000-2002.

Last season he was the outstanding performer in Farnborough's troubled Conference campaign, scoring nine goals before switching to Stevenage on transfer deadline day.

He made six appearances for Borough but despite impressing the Broadhall Way fans, found that he did not figure in boss Graham Westley's plans this season and spent a month on loan at Forest Green Rovers. He played at Crawley in Rovers' 4-2 defeat on September 25, playing a delightful through-ball from which Charlie Griffin scored his second goal.

One final Stevenage appearance followed against Barnet in the LDV Vans Trophy before he negotiated his release. A number of clubs were reported to be interested in signing Hodgson and Crawley are delighted to have won the race for his signature.