EFL club turn to former manager who was sacked 19 days ago in division below

03/21/2025 05:12 AM

Scott Lindsey has completed a sensational return to Crawley Town after the League One club sacked Rob Elliot.

Crawley currently sit 22nd and 12 points adrift of safety in the third tier of English football.

With just six games left to avoid relegation, the Reds have gone full circle by appointing the man who got them promoted last season.

After a successful 20 months in charge, Lindsey left Crawley in September 2024 to become manager of League Two club MK Dons.

He was sacked 19 days ago on March 2 after a dismal run of results, leaving the Dons 18th in the fourth tier.

Upon announcing Lindsey’s return, Crawley 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."

Elliot won only six of his 33 matches in charge at Crawley after being appointed to replace Lindsey in October.

Fans on social media had been left disappointed by the timing of the decision as they approach a return to League Two.

“Horrendous timing, you're already down,” said one on X.

A second added: “Too late already down.”

“Cruel Crawley doing this,” said a third.

A fourth commented: “Too little too late.”

Crawley are winless in their past eight League One fixtures, with their last win coming against Stevenage in February.

They have scored just six goals and conceded 18 since then.

Relegation would mean an instant return to League Two after their promotion via the play-off final last season.

Crawley finished seventh in the fourth tier and beat Crewe Alexandra at Wembley to go up.

However, their faced a massive summer overhaul that saw their three top goalscorers all leave before the 2024/25 campaign.

Danilo Orsi scored 25 goals before joining Burton Albion, Klaidi Lolos netted 15 ahead of a switch to Bolton Wanderers and Adam Campbell hit seven but went to Hartlepool Town.

Elliot’s exit means 43 of the 92 clubs have sacked their managers across the football league this season.