Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey has urged supporters to get behind Harry McKirdy after the forward was booed during recent matches.
The Reds suffered their third straight defeat of the season on Tuesday night, exiting the Carabao Cup with a 2–0 loss at Swansea City.
McKirdy, signed in the summer after spells with Swindon Town and Hibernian, has yet to hit top form for his new side. Some sections of the away support voiced their frustration during the tie, but Lindsey insists the 27-year-old needs backing, not criticism, as he builds fitness after a difficult period with injuries and illness.
Lindsey Calls for Unity
Speaking post-match, Lindsey praised the majority of supporters but made clear his disappointment at the treatment of McKirdy.
“The fans were brilliant, however, I do want to have a moan. We’re in this together. We haven’t got loads, but we’ve got to stick together – staff, back office, my players and the fans. I’m not having Harry McKirdy being booed. The kid has played his first 90 minutes on Saturday, the first time in three years. He’s not had a good time, with injury and illness, so I want the fans to support my players and not boo them.”
Lindsey, who enjoyed success with McKirdy at Swindon, is confident the forward will make an impact in League Two once fully match-fit.
“You’ll love him. He’s going to score goals for us. I’m disappointed to hear a few jeers against him – that can’t happen. We have to be connected, we have to stay together.”
Tough Start to the Season
Defeats to Grimsby Town and Newport County have left Crawley looking for their first points of the campaign. The trip to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday offers an opportunity to reset, but Lindsey knows the mood around the club will only improve with results on the pitch.
McKirdy’s arrival was seen as a coup, with his movement and sharp finishing expected to add another dimension to the attack. However, his lack of recent game time means patience will be required before he returns to peak performance levels.
Writer’s View
Early-season frustration can often spill over, but targeting individual players is rarely productive. McKirdy has shown in the past that he can be a match-winner at this level, and Lindsey’s track record with him suggests the goals will come once fitness improves.
Crawley’s challenge is to close ranks, find rhythm in their performances, and ensure that new signings settle without the added pressure of negativity from the stands. With unity and time, the current narrative could shift quickly.
