'Trust' - Former West Ham midfielder looking to kick on under Kazim-Richards at Crawley Town after signing new contract

Watson put pen to paper on a two-year deal which will begin on July 1 after his contract was up this summer.

Signed by ex-Reds boss Scott Lindsey in February 2025, the midfielder fell out of favour midway through last season and spent almost three months on the sidelines at the start of 2026.

The 25-year-old returned to the squad when his former Derby County teammate Kazim-Richards took charge at the Broadfield Stadium and played a prominent role in helping the Reds avoid relegation.

Watson told the club: “Stability is a big thing in a footballer’s career. I don’t feel like I’ve had that so far here.

“So, this year’s about having a gaffer in Colin who’s going to trust in me. We have a good relationship outside of football and obviously now in football, so I’m truly blessed to have him as the manager.

“I’m really ready to kick on. I feel like this season’s going to be a big season for myself, and I’m ready to just give everything for the badge and everything for my career.”

And on last season’s turbulence, he added: “It was a rollercoaster ride, for sure. Full of ups and downs – a lot more downs than ups, but that thrill of the last game left a good impression on the fans.

“Especially for the gaffer coming into this season, it gives the fans something to back and have faith in.

“But like you said, it was a crazy season last season. I’m looking for a bit more stability going into this year, which I think we will have.

“The gaffer can give a true impression of himself now with a full pre-season and a full season under his belt, and I’m just looking forward to it.”

Players have seemingly taken to Kazim-Richards' personable approach since his arrival three months ago and with the Reds boss heading into his first full season, Watson is hoping to build on their close relationship.

He said: “Player management is very important, and he has that in abundance. He used to be a player not so long ago.

“He knows what it’s like to look after younger players coming through, and that’s exactly what he did for me at my time at Derby. He is a great player to have around the building, and as a manager – I mean, with his career and his CV, I think it speaks for itself.

“He’s been around the block as well. He played at all the levels, so it’s good for the players coming in because he’s played in this league. He did what we did last year. He stayed up at a young age, and he kicked on.

“I feel like, as a player, everyone wants to kick on and so does the club. So, I think if we all push in the right direction, we’ll make it happen.”