John Coleman recalls one of his highlights as a fan was watching Harry Kewell help Liverpool lift the Champions League trophy in Istanbul.
Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to win on penalties over AC Milan, with Coleman in the crowd.
Kewell is now in charge of Crawley, who are in 17th place in League Two, and visit the Wham Stadium tomorrow.“I was proud to be in Istanbul, it was a moment which stays in your life for its unusualness, the drama and excitement of it,” said Coleman.
“It was the icing on the cake as a Liverpool fan.
“I probably wouldn't have guessed I would have been stood in a dug out next to Harry Kewell."
Kewell has been in charge of Crawley in his first managerial role since May, taking over from the late Dermot Drummy.
"Jimmy (Bell) and I were devastated to hear about Dermot's death," said Coleman. "He was a good fella and was passionate about football. We spent time with him on the Diploma of Football Manager course and it's a sad loss to everyone."
Kewell's tenure has been up and down so far but they have won two of their last four league encounters.
Coleman continued: “I think any ex-professional footballer is grateful to start in the league, it is difficult to get a job in the league as there are only 92 of them.
“He has got a lot of playing experience, he has a lot to pass onto his players, he knows how to win and knows how to win trophies.
“Being in the lower leagues is an eye-opener. Being higher up, players are used to certain standards and a lot of time you have to make do at this level and take it warts and all. If you accept the warts and all those are the managers who tend to succeed.
“Crawley are probably one of the standard bearers in this league in that they are capable of winning on their day or they are being capable of losing."
Erico Sousa and Mekhi McLeod are back in training and could feature for Stanley over the Christmas period.