Crawley Town Dismiss Manager Rob Elliot Amid League One Relegation Battle
Crawley Town has sacked manager Rob Elliot as the club fights to avoid relegation from League One, currently sitting 12 points from safety.

Managerial Change at Broadfield Stadium
Crawley Town Football Club has officially parted ways with manager Rob Elliot as the team struggles in their League One survival battle. The decision comes with the Red Devils sitting 12 points adrift of safety with just 9 games remaining in the season.
Elliot's Brief Tenure
The 38-year-old former Gateshead manager took charge at Broadfield Stadium in October 2024, replacing Scott Lindsey who departed for MK Dons in League Two. During his five-month tenure, Elliot managed just 4 victories in 25 matches across all competitions.
Relegation Concerns Mount
Crawley currently sits 23rd in League One with only 28 points from 37 matches. The club's defensive record has been particularly concerning, having conceded 62 goals - the second-worst in the division.
Interim Leadership and Future Plans
Club CEO Tom Allman stated: "This was an incredibly difficult decision, but with performances not improving and our League One status under serious threat, we felt we had to act. We thank Rob for his efforts and wish him well for the future."
Assistant manager Mikey Harris will take temporary charge while the board begins their search for a permanent replacement. Potential candidates reportedly include:
- Former Wrexham boss Dean Keates
- Ex-Swindon manager Ben Garner
- Crawley-born coach Darren Powell
Critical Upcoming Fixtures
The Red Devils face a crucial run of matches:
Date | Opponent | Venue |
---|---|---|
Mar 22 | Port Vale (A) | Away |
Mar 29 | Fleetwood (H) | Home |
Apr 1 | Derby County (H) | Home |
With the club 11 points from safety, these games could prove decisive in their survival hopes. The board hopes a new manager bounce can spark an unlikely great escape.
Fan Reaction and Club Legacy
Crawley Town Supporters Alliance chair Lisa Matthews expressed mixed feelings: "Rob seemed a decent bloke who cared, but ultimately results weren't good enough. We need someone who can immediately organize the team better defensively."
The club will be desperate to avoid dropping back to League Two just two seasons after achieving promotion under previous manager John Yems.