Who is the Favourite for the Crawley Town Manager Job?

Crawley Town are urgently seeking a new manager following Scott Lindsey's departure to take charge of MK Dons. Lindsey, who joined Crawley in January 2023, played a crucial role in saving the club from relegation and guided them to a successful promotion to League One last season. His departure leaves Crawley in need of swift action to find a suitable replacement as they sit 18th in the league table, facing the need for stability.

Lindsey's Departure and the Search for a Successor

Lindsey’s move to MK Dons sees him drop a division, taking over from Mike Williamson, who has moved to Carlisle. Having been the Robins' manager since June 2022, Lindsey’s leadership has been significant for Crawley, and his absence has intensified the urgency of finding a new manager. The search for his replacement is in full swing, with the club considering various candidates to guide them through what is shaping up to be a challenging season.

Top Contender: Rob Elliot

Gateshead manager Rob Elliot is currently the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Lindsey at Crawley. According to BetVictor, Elliot is priced at 2/5, translating to an implied 71% chance of taking over the reins at the League One side. The former Newcastle United goalkeeper has been managing Gateshead since October 2023, initially in a caretaker role before being appointed permanently in June. His leadership qualities and fresh experience in management could make him a strong candidate to bring stability to Crawley.

Other Potential Candidates

While Elliot leads the odds, Crawley could consider other options, including some familiar faces and emerging talents:

1. Ben Gladwin (6/1, 14% implied chance): A former club captain and current member of the coaching staff, Gladwin has a deep connection with Crawley Town. He played a pivotal role in securing the club’s safety in League Two and later helped guide them to promotion. His experience with the club and leadership on and off the pitch could make him a valuable candidate as Crawley looks to navigate this turbulent period.
2. Brian Barry-Murphy (10/1, 9% implied chance): The former Rochdale manager and Manchester City youth coach is another potential option. Barry-Murphy enjoyed a successful tenure as head of City’s U23s, a role he left recently to pursue first-team management opportunities. His experience working with young players and developing talent could appeal to Crawley as they seek to build a strong foundation for the future.
3. Nathan Rooney and Andrew Crofts (both 10/1 and 14/1 respectively): These lesser-known names could also come into play, particularly if Crawley is willing to take a chance on unproven talent in hopes of finding a managerial gem to guide them through their current challenges.

What’s Next for Crawley Town?

With the club's immediate need for stability, the appointment of a new manager will be critical. Whether Crawley opts for a more experienced figure like Elliot or looks internally to someone like Gladwin, the next few weeks will be crucial for the club's future in League One.