Harry Kewell makes home managerial debut for Crawley Town

Former Socceroo Harry Kewell has made his home coaching debut for new club Crawley Town.

At the club's Checkatrade.com Stadium, Kewell oversaw the League Two side's 1-1 draw with a team of development players from English Premier League champions Chelsea.

Kewell, who was named Australia's best ever footballer in 2012, has moved into coaching since retiring in 2014.

He managed Watford's under-23 side for 18 months before taking his first senior job with the fourth-tier club.

Kewell's comments after the match suggested he had some work to get his side ready for the league campaign.

"It was OK. Thank god it was a pre-season game," he told the club's website.

"There were moments in the game which I truly loved and there were moments in the game where I wasn't so happy."

"This is all a learning process not only for myself but the team as well to get the ideas of what I want."

According to the club's website, Kewell opted for a 5-3-2 formation. Substitute Joe McNerney's late goal cancelled out Charlie Brown's opener after 15 minutes.

Crawley Town could face Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan in a friendly next Saturday when they play EPL club Brighton.

Kewell will make his competitive senior coaching debut on August 5 against Port Vale.