HARRY Kewell is on the receiving end of criticism from the Crawley Town faithful after his new side continued their winless start to the season.

Socceroos legend Kewell took charge of the League Two side in the off-season but has not earned a result in the opening three fixtures – scoring just twice and conceding nine.

Crawley were on the receiving end of a 1-0 loss to Cheltenham Town on Sunday to put them second bottom of the 24-team fourth division and early favourites for the drop out of the football league.

It follows Kewell’s men being on the receiving end of a 5-1 thumping in the League Cup away to Birmingham City after opening their season with a 3-1 home loss to Port Vale.

Harry Kewell on the sideline for Crawley Town. Source: Supplied

With fury being directed at the club and their new manager, Crawley chairman and owner Ziya Eren has issued a statement urging fans to support the team.

“We have not started the season well but it is crucial that we do not lose our positivity and direction,” Eren wrote, having penned a similar open letter last season just weeks before the previous manager, Dermot Drummy, departed.

I like the way when the owner joined said we will be in the championship in 8-10 years time #kewellout — Joeythehopper (@joeygarginio) August 12, 2017

Kewell Out! Can't see one team that we will get a point from this season. I honestly think we will go down, pointless! — J_A_I (@jaisra2002) August 12, 2017

“The squad has been through transition last year and will be fine-tuned every year, together with Harry we have worked to build a better team than last season.

“Despite the results, the team has shown positive signs. I ask for unity, noise and passion for our game on Saturday against Cambridge United. It is time for the family to really express what we are about – we need every one of you to make yourselves heard in support of the team on Saturday.

“There has been a lot of talk about our transfer activity over the summer months - we have significantly improved the areas in our team and intend to be ongoing with our activities up until the end of August.

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Harry's full reaction to today's game is on iFollow Crawley... 🔴



👉🏻 https://t.co/72biJgB7i6 pic.twitter.com/UyuYAmz6hg — Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) August 12, 2017

“This year we have increased budgets. The club is growing to build its foundation to rise through the leagues. A defeatist mentality are not characteristics of this club. We have to recall from where we started our journey.

“Since the takeover, we have rebuilt the infrastructure and increased the contracted playing staff. The value of the playing staff is considerably increasing each year. This is an indication of the growing value of the team.

“We are together and we will be united in our journey. For sure disappointing times will occur, as they do at any club, but we will do our utmost to keep them temporary. We have a vision and belief. We are working towards that – with you, the fans.”

Harry Kewell, manager, talks to Dean Cox of Crawley Town. Source: Getty Images

Kewell took over the Crawley job in May, having parted ways with Premier League club Watford where he served as their Under-23 manager.

It is his first job in senior management, taking over the club who finished just five points above the League Two relegation zone last season.

Crawley have made seven new signings this transfer window – four free transfers, two loan deals and Thomas Verheydt from Dutch second division club MW Maastricht.

They next Cambridge United on Sunday (AEST) who are also without a win to start the new season.