Boss gets down to work ahead of pre-season
Harry Kewell has been at the Checkatrade Stadium this week, working with his No.2 Warren Feeney as they finalise preparations for the start of pre-season training on June 29.
Harry was introduced to the media earlier this month and arrived in the UK on Monday after spending a few days in Australia. He will be off on a family holiday soon before returning to Sussex and getting started at the end of the month.
“I can’t wait for pre-season,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with the guys, getting to know them and hopefully helping them to become better players, which can only be good for the club’s future progress.
“if they are brave and want to play, if they show passion and desire for the club then we will get along fine and I don’t see any reason why that won’t happen.”
Harry has spent the last couple of days working with Warren, strength and conditioning coach Mark Lindsey and physio Paul Wilson on the pre-season schedule. It promises to be a tough but enjoyable time for the squad, who have been working on their own individual fitness programmes as well during their summer break.
He also fitted in a visit to the training ground at Oakwood and also checked out East Court, home of East Grinstead Town FC, whom Reds kick off the new season against in their first pre-season friendly on July 8.
Harry has also been discussing more transfer targets with Director of Football Selim Gaygusuz. Reds have signed three players so far – Dannie Bulman, Moussa Sanoh and Panutche Camara – and other deals are being worked on.
He has also been getting to know the backroom staff at the club. “I’m a family man and when I came to the club it was impressed on me that we are a small, tight-knit club which is great – everyone is pulling together for the club,” he said.
“As I said when I joined, this is a fantastic opportunity for me. It’s another step on my coaching journey and coaching is something I love to do. I have still got things to learn and I’m fortunate to have someone like Warren, who has got so much experience at this level, to bounce ideas off and work with.
“But I have got my own thoughts and ideas as well and I am very ambitious. So is the owner, Mr Eren, and the board. I hope our fans are excited too about what I believe we can achieve here.”
Look out for a full interview with Harry and Warren Feeney on iFollow later this week.
