Crawley Town have started their summer transfer window, recently announcing former Reading shot-stopper Vito Mannone as a player-coach. They have since added to their forward ranks to kickstart their transfer business.
Officially confirmed via the club’s official website, the club have picked up Harrogate Town’s Stephen Duke-McKenna. Aged 25, the versatile attacker was recently released by the North Yorkshire club after their six-year stay in the EFL came to an end following relegation.
Duke-McKenna has penned a two-year deal with Crawley, who hold the option to extend for a third.
Crawley Town Announce Stephen Duke-McKenna
First coming through the youth ranks at Everton, he made the switch to London to join Queens Park Rangers’ development team. He then enjoyed loan spells away from the club before permanently departing for Harrogate Town in 2024.
Duke-McKenna is a smart addition at League Two level. He enjoyed his best EFL campaign yet last season, with six goals and one assist for Harrogate. Able to operate on either wing, he brings a great level of depth to the club’s attacking ranks.
Also, the 25-year-old is well-versed in the demands of League Two level. Featuring for the likes of Leyton Orient and Sutton United in recent years.
Additionally, he earned a call-up for his nation, Guyana, in 2019, who have capped the forward 18 times.
What Does Duke-McKenna Bring to Crawley Town?
Crawley were fortunate to avoid the drop last season, and this summer will need to mark a huge rebuild for the club. Colin Kazim-Richards took charge in late March and narrowly guided the club towards safety. The Red Devils will now need to seek stability at League Two level to push on.
Duke-McKenna is a great addition for this reason. He had a respectable return for his club last season and has consistently been getting better at League Two level over the years since permanently departing QPR.
His versatility is a great asset for any side, while he possesses the raw talent to potentially have a breakout season if under the right coaching.
It will be interesting to see how the Red Devils continue to build throughout the summer. The last three years have seen little-to-no stability for the West Sussex side. With the likes of Jay Williams and Danilo Orsi now back with the club, there are foundations to potentially build on.
