EFL club sack boss with nine games left in 'cruel' decision amid relegation fear

They currently sit 22nd and 12 points adrift of safety in the third tier of English football to make relegation a pending prospect.

Elliot, a former goalkeeper at Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United, was appointed as manager in October.

However, he won only six of his 33 matches in charge at Crawley, who have now announced his departure.

A statement read: "Crawley Town Football Club has today parted company with Manager Rob Elliot.

"Louis Storey will take control of the squad as Interim Head Coach, with Anthony Sweeney supporting him as Interim Assistant Head Coach.

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"The club would like to thank Rob for all of his efforts during his time at the Broadfield Stadium and wish him all the best for the future."

Fans on social media have been left disappointed by the timing of the decision as they approach a return to League Two.

"Horrendous timing, you're already down," said one on X.

A second added: "Too late already down."

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"Cruel Crawley doing this," said a third.

A fourth commented: "Too little too late."

Crawley are winless in their past eight League One fixtures, with their last win coming against Stevenage in February.

They have scored just six goals and conceded 18 since then.

Relegation would mean an instant return to League Two after their promotion via the play-off final last season.

Crawley finished seventh in the fourth tier and beat Crewe Alexandra at Wembley to go up.

However, their faced a massive summer overhaul that saw their three top goalscorers all leave before the 2024/25 campaign.

Danilo Orsi scored 25 goals before joining Burton Albion, Klaidi Lolos netted 15 ahead of a switch to Bolton Wanderers and Adam Campbell hit seven but went to Hartlepool Town.