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OPPOSITION INSIGHT: Crawley Town
Ahead of Swindon Town's home clash with Crawley Town on Saturday, Total Sport spoke to Graham Carter of the Crawley Observer to get the lowdown on the Red Devils.
1) Crawley appointed novice, but high profile manager Harry Kewell this summer. What was the general feeling at the appointment?
"A mixture of disbelief and excitement. Disbelief because the owner, Ziya Eren, had said before the search for a new manager started that he was looking for someone who knows the club and had it in their heart, making fans think it was going to be a Sussex-based manager or perhaps an ex-Crawley Town player.
"The experienced Steve King was the fans' favourite from our poll. He has managed other clubs in Sussex such as Lewes and Whitehawk.
"Excitement because Harry Kewell, although having no managerial experience at senior level, is a household name and with his passion and playing experience at the highest level.
"He has worked with some of the World's top managers and could be the right person to inspire and improve the players. He might also help increase crowds and attract quality players, being a famous player."
2) And what is the atmosphere like around the club now, given Kewell's lost all four of his matches up to this point?
"Some fans are already unhappy and they voiced criticism at a Fans' Forum on Tuesday night.
"However Harry won over the crowd with his answers which showed his knowledge of the game, passion for it and self belief. He ended up receiving a round of applause and a feeling that fans will be fully behind him as he goes out in search for his first points."
3) Have there been signs of something good so far, or have results been justified and are Crawley set for a season of struggle?
"Yes, there have been promising signs with large parts of games dominated by Crawley with plenty of chances being created.
"Last Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Cambridge United was unlucky as Reds hit the woodwork twice with great shots and also had four appeals for penalties turned down by the referee when they appeared valid shouts."
4) Crawley have only scored one league goal in three games thus far. How much of that is due to the summer departure of James Collins?
"A lot - James Collins scored 22 goals last season and in doing so won Crawley lots of points. They are clearly missing him - but he has gone, sold to Luton Town, nothing can be done about it and you have to look at players who are here to score this season."
5) Who could be the player who may fill the void left by Collins?
"Giant Dutch striker Thomas Verheydt has played at Championship level in Holland and is expected to be a handful for defences this season.
"Panutche Camara has arrived from non-league Dulwich Hamlet, scored four goals in pre-season and looks dangerous but has not yet played much.
"Also Matt Harrold has previously proven him a good goalscorer for Crawley two seasons ago and is fully reocovered from the injuries which sidlelined him last season.
6) What is the Crawley team news heading into Saturday's match at the County Ground?
"Last season's club captain Jimmy Smith (midfield) and Mark Connolly (defence) are the only known injuries."
7) And finally, what sort of game are you expecting at the weekend?
"I am expecting a really good, close game with both sides going all-out for a win. Swindon have made a great start, are top of the table after three games and will be wanting to continue their winning ways.
"Crawley will be motivated to get their first win for their new boss and to impress as with a larger squad this season and seven new signings, there is plenty of competition for places.
"Prediction: Swindon Town 0 Crawley Town 1."
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