Vito Mannone appointed player‑coach at Crawley Town

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has been appointed as player‑coach at Crawley Town Football Club. He will head the club’s goalkeeping department while remaining eligible for selection. Mannone retired at the end of last season after his contract with Lille expired. He had been serving as an academy goalkeeper coach at Brighton & Hove Albion before taking the dual role. Mannone joined Arsenal from Atalanta in 2005 as a £350,000 signing. He made 23 first‑team appearances for Arsenal between 2006 and 2013, recording clean sheets against Wigan, Fulham and Olympiakos. His career also includes spells at Sunderland, Reading and a total of ten clubs. Mannone said he is delighted and proud to take on the role and will give everything to the cause. Head coach Colin Kazim‑Richards praised Mannone’s experience and intensity, adding he looks forward to working with him.