In a surprising turn of events, Crawley Town have parted ways with Scott Malone, the experienced left-back with a notable history at clubs including Fulham, Millwall, and Gillingham.
Just 15 matches into Crawley’s League One campaign, the 33-year-old has been released following limited appearances and recent managerial changes at the club.
Malone’s Brief Spell at Crawley
Malone, who joined Crawley Town during the summer, had high hopes of bringing his seasoned expertise to the club. However, his impact was minimal, making only two league appearances for the Sussex side. This performance stands in stark contrast to his previous season at Gillingham, where Malone was a consistent presence on the field, playing 41 league games and only missing five matches throughout the year.
Malone’s release appears to be linked to changes at Crawley’s managerial helm. Initially brought in by then-manager Scott Lindsay, who recently departed to manage MK Dons, Malone now finds himself without the support of the manager who recruited him. Lindsay’s departure left a gap filled by Rob Elliott who took over as Crawley’s manager at the start of October. Elliott’s approach to the squad seems to differ from his predecessor’s, leaving Malone on the outside.
“Crawley Town Football Club and Scott Malone have mutually agreed to part ways. The club wish Scott all the best in his future endeavours.”
While Malone himself expressed admiration for Lindsay on social media, calling him “one of the best managers I have played for,” it appears the change in leadership has influenced his position at the club.
A Veteran Player’s Career in Flux
At 33, Malone’s next steps in professional football are unclear. Given his experience, Malone could likely attract attention from teams lower in League One or even League Two.
Malone’s career has seen him travel across English football, including stints with Cardiff City, Fulham, Huddersfield Town, and Derby County. His reputation, especially at Millwall, where he enjoyed two separate terms, reflects that he is a seasoned player with a wealth of professional experience. However, Crawley’s decision to release him raises questions about whether his career will continue on the pitch.
Writer’s View
Malone’s exit from Crawley highlights the often unpredictable nature of football careers, especially for veteran players amid managerial changes. Given Malone’s extensive background, he could still find opportunities to extend his career. However, this may require moving to a different league level where his experience could still make an impact.
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