Crawley Town are set to appoint Rob Elliot as their new manager, marking a new chapter in the former Newcastle United goalkeeper’s coaching career.
Elliot, 38, was the early frontrunner for the position and is expected to be officially announced today. His coaching journey began after a lengthy playing career that saw him represent Charlton Athletic, Newcastle United, and the Republic of Ireland national team. A London native, Elliot came up through Charlton’s academy and made 96 appearances for the club. He also had a notable tenure at Newcastle, making 55 appearances and featuring in the Europa League.
After retiring from playing, Elliot transitioned to coaching and became Technical Director at Gateshead. He stepped in as caretaker manager in October 2023 after Williamson left for MK Dons, guiding Gateshead to a sixth-place finish in the National League. Although stadium issues prevented the club from competing in the play-offs, Elliot’s reputation continued to rise. His standout achievement came in May 2024 when he led Gateshead to their first-ever FA Trophy victory, securing his place in the club’s history.
Elliot’s arrival at Crawley comes at a critical time for the team, who are currently 20th in League One with just seven points from seven games. Interim coach Ben Gladwin managed two matches, but the club is seeking stability, and Elliot is viewed as the man to change their fortunes.
Known for his possession-based, short-passing style of football, influenced by Mike Williamson, Elliot’s approach aligns with Crawley’s long-term vision. Supporters will be eager to see how quickly he can implement his philosophy and turn things around. This is the second instance of a Gateshead manager making the jump to the EFL, following Williamson’s move to MK Dons, who ironically were the tema that toom Crawley’s previous boss, Scott Lindsay.
BBC Radio Newcastle confirmed that Elliot traveled to West Sussex on Monday for talks, with an official announcement expected soon. Joining him at Crawley will be his trusted assistant manager Louis Storey and first-team coach Anthony Sweeney. This team brings continuity from their successful spell at Gateshead and will aim to make a greater impact than Williamson did at MK Dons, where his tenure was short-lived.
Elliot’s departure is a major blow for Gateshead, who are currently fifth in the National League, just a point behind leaders Barnet with a game in hand. The club will now be searching for a new manager for the second time in less than a year, following Williamson’s earlier exit.
Our View
Rob Elliot’s move to Crawley Town is a pivotal moment for both the club and his coaching career. His success at Gateshead, where he achieved significant results despite limited resources, showcases his managerial skills and tactical acumen, particularly with a possession-based style.
However, Crawley presents a new challenge. In a tougher, more competitive league, Elliot will need to balance the pressure for immediate results with the task of building long-term success. If he can implement his footballing philosophy as effectively as he did at Gateshead, there’s potential for Crawley to climb the table. His background with Newcastle United also adds intrigue, as supporters from his former clubs will be closely monitoring his progress.
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