EFL club axes manager nearly two years after leading them to play-off glory

Crawley Town have sacked manager Scott Lindsey and assistant coach Neil Smith.

The League Two outfit made the decision following a 1-0 loss to Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

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That defeat came a day after Lindsey celebrated his one-year anniversary, which signalled his return to the club in March last year.

However, in a statement, Crawley owner Raphael Khalili felt the recent results left him with little choice but to make a change in the dugout.

Crawley Town issue statement on Lindsey’s departure

“This was not an easy decision for the club,” Khalili said.

“Scott has given this club some everlasting memories, which we will all be eternally grateful for.

“Unfortunately, results have not been at a high enough standard.

“Scott leaves the club with my highest regards, and I truly wish him and his family the very best for the future.”

Crawley added they are already working to find Lindsey’s replacement and will ‘make a statement on the matter in due course.’

How close are Crawley to relegation?

The loss to Fleetwood on Saturday left Crawley 21st in League Two with 31 points, one away from the relegation zone.

Relegation from League Two would see Crawley tumble out of the English Football League, a scenario that could have drastic financial consequences.

The doomsday possibility was evidently a key reason why Khalili felt compelled to axe Lindsey.

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Lindsey ended his second stint in charge of Crawley with a record of 12 wins, 14 draws and 27 defeats.

It was a far less successful spell than when he was first appointed as the Red Devils’ boss in January 2023.

Lindsey’s Crawley dream turns to nightmare

With Lindsey at the helm, Crawley reached the League Two play-offs in the 2023/24 campaign despite finishing 7th in the league.

Against the odds, Lindsey oversaw a 8-1 win on aggregate over MK Dons in their play-off semi-final before they beat Crewe Alexandra 2-0 in the final.

It was the dream way to cap off the club’s first-ever visit to Wembley in its 128-year history as they returned to the third tier for the first time since 2014/15.

However, the dream turned to a nightmare as Crawley finished 21st in League One last season with 46 points, two away from safety.