Former Watford player Bawling relishes his new role for Crawley

Having played mainly as a utility player in defence or midfield in his first two seasons, he feels he is more suited to his new position.

Bawling wants to improve on his 16 appearances he made last season and is aiming to hit the back of the net.

The former Watford youth, 20, has already scored three goals during pre-season games, including two more during Reds 3-1 win at Lewes on Tuesday night.

He said: “I think its much more beneficial for me as the attributes I have mean I am able to excel in the position I am playing.

“Going forward, running in behind, using my pace. I really enjoy playing in that position.

“I personally prefer this position and play football to enjoy it and I really enjoy playing in the position I am currently.

“When Dermot took over, he told me how he wanted me to play in this position, so I really tried in training to improve my game in that position and I feel like it’s paying off slowly.”

Bawling praised the new boss for his ability to communicate key information which is helping him develop as an attacking player.

He said: “Dermot talks to me and makes sure I am trying to concentrate on my game.

“He tells me what I need to improve on, which is very helpful for me.

“It takes time to fully gel as a team, but I think this season it easier in the dressing room and its helpful everyone gets along.

“There’s a good team spirit and you need it going into the new season.”

What does he want to achieve this season?

He said: “Last season I was either playing right back or left back annd it was difficult to get into the position to score.”

“Goals and playing more often than I did last season, would be a real achievement for me and that’s what I am playing towards.

“I am not the type of player who wants to stay on the bench, that is my personal goal.

“I used to play forward at Watford at youth team level and scored quite a few goals and now I can focus on playing on the wing again and scoring more goals more often.”

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