Harry Kewell says his decision to take charge at Crawley was a “no-brainer”.

Now he is ready to think on his feet and deal with whatever life as Reds manager can throw at him.

The former Leeds and Liverpool star believes an ability to adapt can prove precious as he looks to take the club up from League Two.

But he stressed that flexibility will be under-pinned by a desire to play attacking football.

Kewell met the media during a flying visit to the Checkatrade Stadium yesterday.

He gave nothing away in terms of how many players he will look to sign or what sort of budget he has at his disposal.

He said he was pleased with the little he had so far seen of players staying on from last season.

And he was confident he would cope with challenges his role presented.

Kewell said: “I’m a very attacking player but I’m fully aware there’s also defending in the game.

“There is going to be a mixture of styles.

“I’m a versatile person and I can adapt but it will be an attacking style.”

Kewell was impressed by ambition shown by Turkish owner Ziya Eren and those who already work at the club.

He said: “I’m a big believer in family.

“To be able to come to this club that has ambition but also a family feel is important to me, especially as a first senior job.

“After speaking to people at Crawley, their ambition is high and I like high ambition. It was a no-brainer for me.”

Kewell turns 39 in September and laughed off a question as to whether he might be tempted to play.

The former Australian international said: “I had a wonderful career as a footballer and I thoroughly enjoyed it but I take this job seriously.

“I will put my heart and soul into Crawley and into making the players better players.

“I’m fully concentrated on my managerial career and helping Crawley back to where they should be.”

Kewell was joined by his new assistant Warren Feeney, a man who he has been close to since their days playing for Leeds.

He added: “I was asked to bring someone in and he has got experience in areas where I don’t, on and off the field.”