Crawley Town v Newport preview: 'We’ve got to stop feeling sorry ourselves' says Reds interim boss Young

Only one win from 12 league games led to Betsy’s departure last Sunday, following a 3-0 defeat away to Grimsby Town. Now bottom of League Two, assistant coach Lewis Young will temporarily take charge of the first team for the second time this year as caretaker manager.

“I’m gutted the season had to start like this,” said Young ahead of this weekend. “But on the flip side, we have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to dust ourselves down and prepare for what’s going to be a really tough game on Saturday.”

Newport are five points above Crawley in 18th with three wins, two draws and eight losses in their opening 12. Following their loss to Rochdale last week, the Exiles have also parted ways with their manager James Rowberry with Sporting Director, Darren Kelly taking charge for the meantime.

“We’ve got to start winning football matches,” said Young. “We’ve got six points from twelve games and ultimately, it’s not good enough. We know that as players, staff and as a collective so at the minute we have to make amends to that. The only thing we can control is what goes on, on that pitch.”

Crawley’s supporters have only witnessed three wins in all competitions this season whilst still turning up to support the Red Devils week in week out. On the impact the fans have had on the team during a strange period for the club, Young said, “I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we’re just thankful for the support we’ve had.

“Now we’ve got to give them something to cheer about. That’s a big thing I’ve been stressing this week. Just go out and be positive, front footed and aggressive. Hopefully the fans can go home happy this weekend and we start to recoup some of those numbers into the crowd.”

Under Betsy, Crawley tried to play with a possession-based style, keeping the ball on the ground and playing out from the back. When asked of a possible tactical change against Newport, Young said, “I don’t want to share the messages I’ve been giving to the players to anyone else.

“We don’t know what to expect from them, but hopefully, at 5:15 on Saturday when I’m speaking to you, I’m speaking through a smile and a style that has impressed the fans and owners with a positive result.”

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