Returning hero says Crawley Town 'feels like home' as he completes loan deal from Peterborough United

Lolos was a key figure in the 2023-24 side that clinched promotion to League One with a famous victory over Crewe Alexandra at Wembley Stadium.

That turned out to be the 25-year-old's final game for the Reds before joining Bolton Wanderers, then leaving the following season to the Posh where he has made 13 appearances.

Lolos, speaking to club media, was in high spirits after the signing was officially confirmed on Friday.

“Fels great, feels amazing,” he said. “Most importantly - feels like home.

“It’s a place that I really enjoyed my football and yeah, it was an easy decision.”

Lolos played under Lindsey during the promotion-winning campaign and the Greek admitted the boss was a major incentive in rejoining the Reds.

He said: “My relationship with Scott was a really good one, a really honest one and a professional one.

“And, yeah, he was a massive part to why I decided to come back.”

The midfielder will be linking up with former teammates from that historic season too, Jay Williams and Dion Conroy among others.

“I had, and still have, a very good relationship with both,” Lolos said. “Obviously, we’ve got Ade (Adeyemo) here too, we’ve got Joy (Mukena), Harry Forster, Rolesy (Jack Roles).

“There’s still a lot of familiar faces so, yeah, can’t wait to see the boys and get down to work again.”

As a firm fan favourite during his first spell at the club, Lolos is hoping to make more memories with the Reds supporters.

“Main aim here is, first and foremost, to win games,” he said. “There’s nothing more that I enjoy than winning out there with the fans and having a moment with them after the game.

“So, that’s something I’m looking forward to the most and, yeah, just can’t wait to get out there.

“I’m looking forward to creating new ones with the fans and I can’t wait to see them all out there on the 17th.”

Crawley’s fortunes have changed drastically since two seasons ago as they teeter just two points above the League Two relegation zone, a situation the midfielder is keen to help address.

Lolos said: “Everything in life, including football, you’ve got to celebrate your wins but at the same time, it’s about the present.

“This is the way it is right now and I’m here to help and try to bring back good memories – just start having everyone enjoying their football again.”

As the 25-year-old mentioned, Crawley are next in action on January 17 against Notts County at the Broadfield Stadium. When asked about the possible benefit of the break, Lolos admitted it would be useful to settle in properly.

“Of course, if you look at it that way definitely. There isn’t a game this weekend so there’s plenty of time for me to get into the groove again and learn about the new tactics maybe.

“And learn about the new boys I haven’t seen before and integrate and have a week of training before the upcoming game.”

Lolos scored 15 goals during his first stint with the Reds and, when asked on the benefit of Lindsey’s system on his attacking output, he stated: “100 per-cent.

“It’s the best feeling as a footballer. Especially for me as an attacker – doesn't get much better than me getting goals or assists, so that’s something that I’m hungry for.”

Lolos was optimistic when assessing the daunting challenge that the Reds face in climbing the table, acknowledging past experiences that offer hope his new side can turn things around.

“I’ll take me as a person – being realistic, that’s not really, for me, a way to look at things. Like, the season that we did promoted, I think Doncaster were in the same position as us and they ended up going on a run and getting in the playoffs.

“So, I can’t see why we couldn’t do that. We’ve got people in the building that have felt it before, they’ve experienced it so, in my eyes, I feel like it’s possible. So, we’re gonna work towards it and give it our best and whatever happens, happens.”

Lolos became the Reds’ seventh signing of the January transfer window and the second of the day after Louie Copley joined on loan from Arsenal.

Previously confirmed signings have included free agents Theo Vassell, Taylor Richards and Akin Odimayo, Jonny Russell from Glentoran FC and Tobi Adeyemo on loan from Watford.