Scott Lindsey makes speedy return to Crawley Town

By John Lyons

League One strugglers Crawley Town say they are ‘very excited’ to have brought manager Scott Lindsey back to the club.

The 52-year-old steered the Red Devils to an unexpected promotion from League Two last term, but left in September to join MK Dons.

Ironically, his Crawley side had crushed the Dons 8-1 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals before going on to beat Crewe Alexandra at Wembley.

Although Lindsey made an encouraging start in charge of the Dons – including six straight wins which lifted them to third in early December – their results nosedived and he was sacked at the start of this month.

Return

Crawley plumped for Gateshead boss Rob Elliot to replace Lindsey, but he was axed on Wednesday with the West Sussex club lying 22nd and a whopping 12 points from safety.

His dismissal paved the way for Lindsey to make a quickfire return.

However, it appears for all the world that he will l need to try to lead them out of the EFL’s bottom division again next term.

Nonetheless, Crawley are just delighted to have the former Swindon Town boss back at the wheel.

Excited

Chairman Preston Johnson said: “We are very excited to welcome Scott back to Crawley Town.

“We all love the culture and commitment he brings to the club and the game.

“We’re striving for success at the highest levels of English football and to strengthen relationships with our fans and the broader community.

“Our lead investors are committed to a long-term vision, and Scott Lindsey is essential to that.”

Lindsey has penned a deal until June 2028 and will be assisted by former Gillingham midfielder Neil Smith, who has left his role as manager of Isthmian Premier side Cray Wanderers.

Lindsey’s first game in charge the second time around was yesterday’s home match against Bristol Rovers.

Former Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United goalkeeper Elliot won just six of his 33 matches in charge in all competitions.

It was always likely to be a stiff challenge for the 38-year-old to keep Crawley in the division bearing in mind the departure of a number of their promotion-winners and the resources at his disposal compared to bigger third tier outfits.

AXED: Rob Elliot

Efforts

“The club would like to thank Rob for all of his efforts during his time at the Broadfield Stadium and wish him all the best for the future,” said the Red Devils.

Crawley initially announced that Louis Storey would take control of the squad as interim head coach, with Antony Sweeney supporting him, after Elliot’s departure.

However, they have also now left the third-tier outfit.

Meanwhile, Crawley have signed goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala on a seven-day emergency loan from Championship side Hull City.

The 22-year-old French keeper has previously had loan spells with Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers.

He spent the latter part of last season on loan at Rovers, helping them reach the League Two play-offs.