Rotherham United's League Two rivals Crawley Town hire ex-Leeds United and Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell
Rotherham United’s League Two rivals have hired an ex-Millers, Leeds United and Sheffield United man as their new interim boss
League Two strugglers Crawley Town have turned to former Leeds United and Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell in an attempt to arrest their struggles.
The Red Devils are rooted to the foot of the fourth tier, one of just two sides below 22nd-placed Rotherham United.
Blackwell, who was an assistant to Neil Warnock at Rotherham in 2016, has been hired as Crawley’s new interim manager following their decision to axe Colin Kazim-Richards.
The 67-year-old will be assisted by ex-Arbroath defender Jordan Tait.
Crawley Town turn to Kevin Blackwell
A statement from Crawley’s owners read: “We understand our supporters’ frustration with how the season has started, and we share their determination to see Crawley move forward.
“We have made significant progress in recruiting our next permanent manager and are working hard to conclude that process. This is an important appointment for the club, and we want to give our chosen manager the best possible foundation to succeed.
“Kevin and Jordan Tate will provide experienced leadership during this short transition. Their immediate focus is preparing the players for Saturday, and they will have our full backing.
“We’re grateful to them both for stepping in and to our supporters for continuing to stand behind the team. We need everyone pulling together as we begin this next chapter.”
Kevin Blackwell’s experience
Blackwell boasts a wealth of management experience from which Crawley’s struggling players will be hoping to draw inspiration.
He led Leeds between 2004 and 2006, having left his role as an assistant to Warnock at Sheffield United to take on the role.
Blackwell later took charge of Sheffield United in February 2008 and was at the Bramall Lane helm until August 2010.
His working relationship with Warnock was later resumed and the pair worked together at Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers, Rotherham, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough.
In recent years, Blackwell has managed Thai outfit Nakhon Ratchasima and worked as a technical director at Lechia Gdansk in Poland.