Harry Crawford excited to be back at Dartford after returning on loan from League 2 Barnet
by Steve Tervet
Striker Harry Crawford has returned to Dartford on loan from
Barnet just three weeks after leaving Princes Park to sign for the
League 2 club.
Crawford arrives back in north Kent on an initial one-month deal
and he goes straight into the Darts squad for Saturday’s FA Trophy
semi-final first leg at Grimsby Town.
The 21-year-old’s departure last month left Tony Burman short of
attacking options and the Dartford manager had been frustrated in
his efforts to bring in a new centre-forward.
However, Crawford will now feature at Blundell Park as the Darts
look to reach the final of the Trophy for the first time in 39
years.
He said: “I didn’t expect it. It all happened quite quickly, in
the last 24 hours. I’m excited and I can’t wait to get started.
“I didn’t expect it but I’m positive about it, I’m looking
forward to going back, playing with the lads and working with the
manager. Hopefully I’ll be scoring some more goals.”
Crawford has made three substitute appearances for Barnet,
featuring for a total of 82 minutes. He scored his first goal for
the club in a 2-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers on February 1.
The former Southend front man signed a three-year deal at Barnet
during the January transfer window but his opportunities look to
have been limited by the subsequent arrival of two more experienced
strikers.
Spaniard Dani Lopez and ex-Celtic forward Craig Beattie both
joined the Bees this week as Dutch legend Edgar Davids looks to
guide his side away from the League 2 relegation zone.
Crawford said: “I joined (Barnet) to play first-team football
and with the manager bringing in two experienced strikers, it
looked like my game-time would be limited. I spoke to the people I
needed to a Barnet and then I spoke to Tony (Burman).
“He enquired about me. Barnet were speaking with Tony about a
possible loan move. With the two strikers coming in, the time was
right.”
Crawford’s loan period could be extended to allow him to play in
the FA Trophy Final at Wembley on March 24 if Dartford can see off
Grimsby over two legs.
15/02/13