Crawley Town agree deal with ex-Derby County defender Dean Leacock

Crawley Town are set to sign former Fulham and Derby defender Dean Leacock on a one-year contract.
Dean Leacock, Derby County ENGPPP00220120920174535Dean Leacock, Derby County ENGPPP00220120920174535
Dean Leacock, Derby County ENGPPP00220120920174535

The deal will start from August 1 and will be manager John Gregory’s 12th summer signing.

Gregory said: “Kyle McFadzean’s departure left a big hole in our defence and I’m delighted we have managed to fill it with someone of Dean’s experience and ability.

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“He is based back down in the south-east now which is important and he knows this level like the back of his hand. He’s trained well and looked excellent in the run-outs he had in the friendlies against Billingshurst and Oakwood.

“It’s a really good addition to the squad and we’re pleased to have him with us.”

During a career which started back in 2002 at Fulham, Croydon-born Dean has made more than 200 appearances and the 30-year-old has excellent knowledge of League One having spent the last two seasons with Notts County prior to his release at the end of last season.

During five years with Fulham, Dean made 26 appearances for the club including nine starts in the Premier League. He also spent time on loan at Coventry before joining Derby County in 2006 for £375,000.

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At Pride Park, Dean played 127 times for the Rams including a further 26 top-flight games during the 2007-08 campaign.

Dean said: “I’m really pleased to be here. We have got a good mix in the squad of experience and youngsters and hopefully I can make a difference.

“I know League One well and having played against Crawley a few times I know that we are as good as anyone at this level on our day. It’s early days but I think we can have a really good season.

“It looks like a really good squad which the manager is putting together and I’m pleased to be part of it.”