New Crawley Town boss Colin Kazim-Richards has launched a rallying cry of unity as his side prepares for a pivotal away trip to relegation rivals Newport County on Good Friday. Kazim-Richards, appointed just over a week ago, is focused on galvanising both the squad and the fans as they face a crucial test in their battle to avoid the drop.
The former Turkey international wasted little time in allowing his passion to shine through, with his jubilant reaction to last weekend’s thrilling stoppage-time show at home to Gillingham quickly endearing him to the Broadfield Stadium faithful. Two goals after the 90th minute secured a seismic 2-0 win, three points for Crawley Town that could prove vital in their battle to maintain their EFL status.
Following Barrow’s extraordinary feat in beating league leaders Bromley at the same time, the Red Devils’ win kept them two points clear of the drop zone, level on points with Newport County as the pair prepare to face off at Rodney Parade.
The match presents both teams with the ideal opportunity to create much-needed breathing space, and the 39-year-old rookie boss has praised the raucous support given to them by the club’s fans ahead of the game.
Keen To Build On Dream Debut
As far as managerial bows go, Kazim-Richards’ first game in the dugout at Crawley will take some beating after a character-filled afternoon that culminated in the perfect result. He immediately got a tune out of his players, who demonstrated their defensive resolve by weathering plenty of near misses from the Gills’ forward players.
Having maintained parity into the latter stages of the match, the Turkish coach made a decisive move in the form of a triple substitution with 15 minutes remaining. It was a twist that proved inspired, as Taylor Richards broke the deadlock before fellow sub Harry Forster turned provider for the second, nerve-settling goal.
The only stain on the afternoon from a Red Devils perspective was the results that came elsewhere in League Two. Victories for Barrow and Newport limited their progress away from danger, but did nothing to spoil the influx of positivity being felt in West Sussex ahead of the run-in. In a fortunate twist of fate, two of last week’s big winners meet in South Wales on Good Friday, a clash to excite neutrals, but one to surely bring about nerves in fans of both clubs.
The size of the prize hasn’t been lost on Colin Kazim-Richards, which is why he has requested similar levels of noise and support from the travelling Crawley fans on Friday.
The Emotional Side Of Football Is All Important
It’s fair to say that Kazim-Richards knows what he’s talking about when it comes to playing in different atmospheres, having featured in some of the world’s most acrimonious environments during his playing career. Battle-hardened from spells in English, Turkish, and Brazilian football, Kazim-Richards certainly has the wisdom to encourage his new squad to feed off the energy of the League Two crowds.
In comments published in the Sussex Express this week, the London-born head coach offered insight into how results can hinge as much on emotion and resilience as on technical ability.
“I think if you’ve seen my career in terms of being a player, it’s always been interaction with fans because football is emotional. A lot of people like to say it is not- it is.”
Regardless of the outcome at the end of the season, sides still to visit the Broadfield Stadium this season can expect a rough ride, with the promise that they will attempt to make it a fortress.
“This is our home. This is our house. And from this minute on, people are going to understand what it’s going to take to come here and beat us.” Speaking post Gillingham win.
His words were certainly backed up by his players’ heartfelt performances, but he will know as well as anyone that one win does not guarantee a relegation escape. The Easter weekend will not definitively decide anyone’s fate, but success, particularly in the match at Rodney Parade, will provide a significant boost towards the victor’s survival aspirations.
