Football Season Guide

It has been a testing summer for Crawley Town and head coach Harry Kewell following the departure of influential midfielder Enzio Boldewijn. It was something of a baptism of fire for former Australian international winger Kewell, who took on his first senior managerial role at the Broadfield Stadium last summer. It was a campaign of highs and lows but one which ended with plenty of encouragement. One of the most encouraging aspects was the form of Dutchman Boldewijn, who finished as joint leading goalscorer with ten goals, combined with several assists, but the club were unable to fend off the interest from Notts County, who paid a significant undisclosed fee for his services. He isn’t the only significant departure with centre-back Josh Yorweth joining Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee. Whilst expected, the return of loan striker Karlan Ahearne-Grant to parent club Charlton Athletic also leaves another big hole to fill. Kewell has been proactive in the transfer market and has pulled off something of a coup in the capture of winger George Francomb from AFC Wimbledon, although he does have the unenviable task of filling Boldewijn’s boots. Fees have been paid for midfield playmaker Felipe Morais, who is another impressive capture from Bolton Wanderers and strikers Dominic Poleon and Oliver Palmer from Bradford City and Lincoln City respectively. They have also taken a gamble on teenager striker Brian Galach from Aldershot Town. Kewell can rely on a strong spine from last season in goalkeeper Glenn Morris, defender Mark Connolly and midfielder Jimmy Smith, with the latter having also notched ten goals. There is also good news in wing-back Lewis Young having signed a new two-year deal during the summer. Striker Thomas Verheydt has joined Go Ahead Eagles for an undisclosed fee and there is still some work to do but the Red Devils can head into the new season with some optimism.