Former Portsmouth striker and Crawley Town assistant head coach is buzzing to have the fans back

Lee Bradbury says he is buzzing for the players to be able to play in front of fans again.
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The Reds face Barrow on Saturday and there will be 651 fans present at the People’s Pension Stadium.

And the permitted attendance will be up to 1,302 on Tuesday when Bradford City visit.

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Lee Bradbury with John YemsLee Bradbury with John Yems
Lee Bradbury with John Yems

Assistant head coach Bradbury couldn’t be more pleased the Reds fans are coming back.

He said: “I am buzzing more for the players than us as staff.

“It doesn’t affect us as much but obviously it’s great to celebrate with them when you win.

“I think as a player, it’s why you play.

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"You want to play in front of supporters, you want to showcase your skills as team and as an individual you want to get to get recognition.”

The Reds – who drew 3-3 at Mansfield on Saturday – have, along with every other EFL team, been playing behind closed doors since the season resumed in September.

And Bradbury believes it will take some adjusting to having fans back. He said: “It’s been a bit strange to be honest but we have got used to it now and it’s become the norm.

“Now it’s going to be strange again with the noise.”

And he believes it will make a difference to the side, who will be looking to regain their home form after two defeats on the trot on their own patch.

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“I think it will definitely make a difference, even if we only have 1,300 after the first game,” he said.

“It’s something that excites the players and they are looking forward to that aspect of it.”

Bradbury has been pleased with how the season has gone so far overall, despite the recent home defeats.

He said: “It’s been very positive.

“We have been very good home until the last couple of games. We were just a day short have a year’s unbeaten run at home which is tough to do.

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“It’s not a hidden secret that we need to improve on the road as far as results are concerned and that’s something we’re trying to address starting from now.

“We need to make sure we are not relying to heavily on our home form.”