Simpemba Looking To Make Shots Switch

Last updated : 14 April 2006 By Stray Shots Team

Ian Simpemba has told the local newspaper that his Crawley career is finished for good.

Simpemba will play against his former employers tomorrow for the first time since joining the Shots on loan last month.

The deal expires at the end of the season but the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international says he will not return to Broadfield Stadium.

Simpemba, who joined Crawley in the summer of 2004 from Wycombe, said: "The manager has made it clear to me that I'm not in his plans so as far I'm concerned that is the end of it at Crawley.

"I'm on loan but it is with a view to a permanent move. I have got to make a living and now I'm looking to try and impress Terry Brown and get a deal for next season."

Crawley gave Aldershot permission to play Simpemba against them as part of the loan agreement and the 23-year-old is relishing the opportunity to face his former team-mates.

He grew up in Crawley, was club captain and won last season's player-of-the-year award.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the game. I always like playing against former clubs and the Broadfield Stadium is a great place to play football.

"I know the club very well and all the players, so it should be good.

"It might have been strange if I was going to go back there but now I can concentrate on doing well for Aldershot."

Simpemba is delighted his home-town club have pulled away from the relegation zone with a six-game unbeaten run but he insists they will not get any favours from him.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted they have got out of trouble. Even before I joined them when I was at Wycombe, I used to look out for their results and I have always had a lot of friends at the club.

"I had a great time there and have no hard feelings. But I am playing for Aldershot now so I will be looking to do my best for them. I know quite a bit about how Crawley play so I will be trying to stop them.

"They are good at set-pieces and on the wings and I will be telling the manager what to expect.

"We are playing without pressure at the moment because we are mid-table. The manager has told us to go out and enjoy ourselves and show why we should get deals for next season.

"It is nice to come to a club without the pressure of relegation and to just concentrate on my football."

With thanks to the Argus.