'Hopefully they’ll sing his song' - Crawley boss and returning striker praise former Reds favourite as Notts County visit

Tsaroulla joined the Reds during the 2020-21 season and went on to win that year’s ‘Young Player of the Season’ and ‘Goal of the Season’ awards at the club.

Making 115 appearances and scoring nine goals, the 26-year-old left Crawley in the summer of 2024 to join Notts.

After the signings of former players Orsi and Klaidi Lolos, Lindsey light-heartedly lamented not being able to also rely on Tsaroulla’s services anymore.

“Shame we didn’t sign him as well," he said. "Nick’s a great lad – fan favourite. Hopefully they’ll sing his song anyway, but yeah, great lad.

“I love Nick - he was brilliant for us. Let’s hope he has a quiet game.”

Orsi played with Tsaroulla during the 2023-24 campaign that culminated in promotion glory at Wembley Stadium, but the striker revealed a closer connection he has to the former Red.

“I don’t know if it’s known but Nick’s my brother’s best mate,” he said. “They’ve grown up since the age of 10 when they started secondary school together.

“So, I remember seeing Nick in his Dad’s blazer at my brother’s twelfth birthday party, which I’m sure he won’t mind me mentioning there.”

Orsi is wary of the threat that Tsaroulla will pose on Saturday having shared great success with him during his first stint with the Reds.

“I’ve seen Nick plenty of times since then and we all know what qualities he’s got as a player and obviously what he done for this club over four-five years he was here.

“It was fantastic, not only the promotion year but the FA Cup runs and he was a big part of it. So, no doubt he’s going to be a big part for Notts County at the moment and we’re gonna have to stop him.”

The League Two clash between the Reds and Notts will be the host’s first match in 13 days, while the visitors haven’t been in action since New Year’s Day.

Crawley sit in 21st place, just a point above the relegation zone and 20 points below eighth-placed Notts.