‘It’s been tough’ – former QPR midfielder on life at Crawley Town so far after pre-season win
Stephen Duke-McKenna admitted to a ‘tough’ first few weeks at Crawley Town as their pre-season ramped up with a 1-0 win at National League side Eastleigh.
Dion Pereira scored the only goal of the game at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday, July 25, to earn Colin Kazim-Richards’ side victory in their first official pre-season assignment.
The club previously confirmed that two behind-closed-doors friendlies would be played this summer, but CEO Tom Allman confirmed on X that the results and lineups could not be shared publicly.
It was a first official appearance for Duke-McKenna since signing a two-year deal with the Reds last month, and the former Harrogate Town midfielder acknowledged that it’s been a lot of hard work since the beginning of pre-season.
“It’s been tough, but much needed to be fair,” he told club media. “We’ve been working hard as a group, and it’s just good to show it on the pitch.”
He added: “Each game we’re getting more chemistry. We’re getting to know each other as players and individuals more. So, hopefully by the time the season starts, we’ve completely gelled.”
Starts came at a bit of a premium for the 25-year-old last season, starting just two of Harrogate’s last 30 league games.
Asked how he was feeling physically after the run out, he admitted: “A lot fitter than the start anyway. As you know, the more games you play, the fitter you get. But until you reach the season you get that real intensity.
“Don’t get me wrong – we’re trying to replicate it as much as we can. We’re doing everything we can do, but obviously we’ll be as fit as we can be getting into the season.”
Duke-McKenna has previously acknowledged the role that head coach Kazim-Richards played in convincing him to join the club, and he again credited the boss for encouraging him to show off his flare.
He said: "Like I said coming here, the gaffer gives me a lot of freedom. That’s just perfect for me, so I like to show what I can do and pre-season’s the time to practice those things and get them ready and sharpened for the season.”
Two more pre-season encounters await the Reds against League One sides Oxford United (Tuesday, July 28) and Reading (Friday, July 31).