Pitts is back at the Pan! After joining Lewes FC in May of 2024, Pitts was released the following summer to join Tonbridge Angels FC in the National League South. Craig, commonly known as ‘Pitts’, gained 10 points in the league after just 9 games, as well as a successful FA cup second qualifying round, which finished 8-3 on aggregate vs Step 5 team, Steyning Town. Surprisingly, after 4 games unbeaten, he was relieved of his duties as manager of Tonbridge Angels, which, after 3 straight away wins, came as a shock to many Angels fans. Despite this, Lewes fans have benefited! The return of their well-loved Manager came on the 23rd of October this year. Speaking to the club’s media team, Pitts expressed his excitement, saying, “I can’t wait to reconnect with some familiar faces and build something we can be proud of.”
History of Pitts at Lewes
Pitts joined Lewes in May of 2024 to be at the helm for the 2024/2025 season. He led the Rooks to their best league start in over a decade. Winning 5 games in 5 at the start of the season, ultimately finishing 13th in the league, which is what piqued the interest of clubs in higher leagues. On his return, Pitts spoke to the club media and said, “We started something special here just before I left – now returning, it’s trying to piece together what we started to hopefully put that project together to finish off.
So…how’s the return going?
At the time of writing, the return is going very well! Pitts has picked up 7 points in his first 4 games, as Lewes sit 12th in the table and 3 points from the playoffs, an impressive return to turn around and recover from losing 5 of their last 6 before Pitts returned. Many players left Lewes to follow Pitts to Tonbridge Angels, such as players of the year Matty Warren and Marcus Sablier, but despite this, the player recruitment has been positive. The return of a club favourite in Parish Muirhead, loan signings of Chelsea FA Youth Cup winner Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Jamie Watson on loan from Tonbridge Angels, have all arrived and provided the impetus for Lewes to start pushing for promotion.
Words from Pitts
Speaking exclusively with Pitts for the Badger, he said, “As a club, we’re all about community, passion and togetherness, and that’s exactly what we see in the students in Sussex. The Dripping Pan is more than just a football ground; it’s a place where you can be you and be celebrated for it. Bring your mates, your energy and your voice, be part of the atmosphere, be part of the journey, and help us make the Pan roar.” So, get yourselves down to the pan and play your part in pushing this team up the table!
What can new fans expect?
On my visit to the game against Carshalton, I learned a lot more about the club. First and foremost, Lewes is a community-driven football club and its stadium, “The Dripping Pan”, is renowned as one of the best away day trips for visiting fans, being recently chosen as a top 10 stadium in the country in The Huffington Post. The stadium is located at the foot of the South Downs, with an oxymoronic mix of historic walls and facilities of the town, with the modern comforts of padded seats in the stands.
On my visit, I learned that all food is locally sourced as a part of the club’s community values, and their beer cups are reusable to reduce the amount of landfill and waste the club produces. They are also famous for their gender equality, being the first club in England to give their men’s and women’s teams equal budgets, alongside facilities and resources, which has led to international recognition for the club. All these changes have established Lewes amongst the more modern and progressive clubs of the modern era, signified by its inclusive, friendly, and community-led ethics, becoming a team that any new fan should go and experience whilst at university.
Another article you may enjoy: https://thebadgeronline.com/2025/12/exclusive-interview-with-luis-shamshoum/
