Paul Hayes: Crawley Town boss John Gregory gives striker trial

New Crawley Town manager John Gregory has given a trial to Paul Hayes.

The striker, 30, had a spell on loan at the club last season and is a free agent after leaving Brentford.

"Paul is well known to Crawley fans. He's been here before and because he's out of contract we can sign him if we wanted to," Gregory told BBC Sussex.

"He's a clever, experienced player and that was the reason I asked him to come back. We'll make a decision at the end of the week."

Hayes, who scored two goals in 11 appearances for the Reds, had two years left on his Brentford deal but the contract was terminated by mutual agreement.

He had only made one appearance for the Bees this season and was loaned to Plymouth earlier in the campaign.

The player has also had spells at Charlton, Preston, Scunthorpe, Norwich and Barnsley.

"We're delighted he's decided to come back here for a few days," said Gregory, who has been told there will be money made available to strengthen the squad in January.

The former Aston Villa boss added: "I have to make sure that anybody who comes into this football club is better than the ones we already have.

"I'll continue to search far and wide to bring in better quality players."