Crawley Town's chief executive admitted today that upgrading Francis Vines from caretaker to permanent manager was "a bit of a gamble."

But Steve Duly and his directors believe their punt will pay off and Vines will lead Reds into the Conference.

Seven weeks after the resignation of Billy Smith, Vines was unveiled as Crawley's new boss last night.

The board chose him from a short-list of three after eight hours of discussions on Sunday and have handed Vines and his assistant Victor Bettineli two-and-a-half year contracts.

Duly said: "It is a bit of a gamble and I suppose some of the supporters will see it as a negative step.

"But it's the first appointment of its kind at Crawley in that we have appointed from within and we feel it is the right way forward.

"Bringing in a big name is no guarantee of success. Francis and Vic impressed us with their honesty and we have seen in the last seven weeks the improvements they have brought to the team."

Vines, who cut his managerial teeth with Crawley's reserves after 15 years as a player in non-league football, believes he can deliver Conference football.

He said: "I think we have to accept that it's a re-building time at the club. Perhaps in the past there have been too many changes in the playing staff at the end of each season.

"What we want to do is get a good squad together next season and perhaps just bring in one or two players in time for the following year and make a real challenge for the Conference."

Vines plans to improve the club's scouting network, encourage the development of younger players as well as bringing in specialists such as dieticians and sports scientists to try and maximise the performance of his squad.

And Bettineli, who was goalkeeping coach at Crystal Palace for seven years until last month, will have a big part to play.

Vines added: "I don't know everything and Victor brings professionalism to our set-up. You only have to look at the work he has already done on the training ground to see that."

The new manager does not expect an exodus of players in the wake of his appointment and is planning to strengthen the squad over the next few weeks.

"It's been difficult to bring players in because there was no guarantee that we would be here," he added.

"But we are looking at players because there is still a lot to play for. We are in two cup semi-finals and I still want us to finish as high as we can in the league, top six if possible."

Vines will be formally introduced to the Crawley fans before tonight's home match against Hastings United whose battle to pull themselves out of relegation trouble has been boosted with the return of Duncan McArthur.

The former Albion midfielder missed the 1-1 draw with Bath City on Saturday due to a one match ban, the 16th game he has missed this season through suspension.