Crawley Town are set to announce Rob Elliot as their new manager, marking the next step in the former Newcastle United goalkeeper’s coaching career.
Following Scott Lindsey’s departure to MK Dons, Crawley acted quickly to secure Elliot, who will take charge of the League One club after a successful spell at Gateshead. It’s the second time a Gateshead manager has stepped up to the EFL, following Mike Williamson’s rise to MK Dons.
Elliot, 38, had been the early favourite for the role and is expected to be officially named today. His managerial journey began after a long playing career that included spells at Charlton Athletic, Newcastle United, and the Republic of Ireland national team. Born in London, Elliot progressed through Charlton’s academy before making 96 senior appearances for the club. His time at Newcastle was significant, where he made 55 appearances and even played in the Europa League.
Following his retirement as a player, Elliot transitioned to coaching, becoming Technical Director at Gateshead. He took over as caretaker manager in October 2023 after Williamson’s departure to MK Dons. In his short time in charge, Elliot led Gateshead to a sixth-place finish in the National League. However, the club was unable to compete in the play-offs due to stadium tenure issues, a setback that didn’t diminish his growing reputation. His crowning achievement at Gateshead came in May 2024, when he led the club to their first-ever FA Trophy victory, cementing his place in Gateshead’s history.
Elliot’s appointment at Crawley comes at a crucial time for the club. Sitting 20th in League One with just seven points from their first seven games, the Reds have struggled to find consistency. Interim head coach Ben Gladwin oversaw two games in charge, but the club is eager for stability, and Elliot is seen as the man to turn their fortunes around.
Elliot’s style of football, influenced by his time with Mike Williamson, focuses on building from the back with an emphasis on short passing. This philosophy aligns well with Crawley’s long-term vision, and fans will be keen to see how quickly Elliot can implement his methods.
BBC Radio Newcastle confirmed that Elliot travelled to West Sussex on Monday for talks, with an official announcement expected imminently. Alongside Elliot, his trusted assistant manager Louis Storey and first-team coach Anthony Sweeney will also join him at Crawley. Their presence will provide continuity to the approach that brought Gateshead success, and they’ll hope to do better than Williamson did in Milton Keynes – he’s already moved on.
His departure is undoubtedly a significant loss for Gateshead, currently fifth in the National League and just a point behind leaders Barnet with a game in hand. Elliot’s move will leave Gateshead searching for yet another new manager, the second time in less than a year after Williamson’s departure.
Writer’s View
Rob Elliot’s appointment at Crawley Town is a significant move for both the club and the manager himself. After proving his managerial credentials at Gateshead, where he achieved success despite limited resources, Elliot now faces the challenge of stabilising a League One team struggling at the lower end of the table. His previous work at Gateshead showed his tactical intelligence and ability to get the best out of his players, particularly with a possession-based style.
However, Crawley presents a different set of challenges. In a more competitive league, Elliot will need to balance quick results with long-term improvement. If he can instil his footballing philosophy at Crawley as effectively as he did at Gateshead, the club has every chance of climbing the table. His Newcastle United roots will also keep him in the spotlight, with fans of his former clubs closely watching his progress.