Watson previously spent six years in Sussex with Brighton

It is a return to Sussex for Watson, 32, who previously started over 200 games for Brighton in a six-year spell with the Seagulls.

"Obviously I want to get back into the Football League, but once you're out of it it's very hard to get back in," he told BBC Southern Counties Radio.

"I'm looking to do that with Crawley and it would be nice."

Watson started 37 Conference games for Rushden last season but has made just four appearances this term.