Crawley reappoint Lindsey six months after he left

Scott Lindsey left Crawley in September for MK Dons but was sacked after just five months

Crawley Town have appointed Scott Lindsey as their manager for a second spell on a deal until June 2028.

Lindsey previously spent 20 months as manager of the Sussex club, leading them to promotion from League Two last May before he dropped down a division in September to take charge at MK Dons.

The 52-year-old returns to Crawley two days after they sacked his replacement, Rob Elliot.

The club are 22nd in League One, 12 points from safety and facing an immediate return to the fourth tier after only one season.

"We are very excited to welcome Scott back to Crawley Town," said chairman Preston Johnson.

"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."

Scott Lindsey guided Crawley to promotion to League One via the play-offs last May

Assistant Louis Storey, who had been made interim head coach following Elliott's departure, and fellow coaches Anthony Sweeney and Steve Hafner have all left the club.

Lindsey has appointed Neil Smith - who leaves his role in charge of Isthmian League side Cray Wanderers - as his assistant manager, with his first game back in charge set to be Saturday's match at home to fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers.

Lindsey was sacked by MK Dons on 2 March after just five months in charge, having lost 11 of 16 matches and picking up only nine points from a possible 48 to drop to 17th in the League Two table.

In his first spell at Crawley he took the club to the third tier for the first time since 2015, following an 8-1 thrashing of MK Dons in the play-offs, before they beat Crewe 2-0 in the Wembley final.

Lindsey was in charge for 87 Crawley games, winning 36 and losing 35.