CRAWLEY Town have appointed former Charlton and Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot as their manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The 38-year-old joins the League One club from Gateshead, who he guided to FA Trophy glory and a sixth-place finish in the National League last season.

He succeeds Scott Lindsey, who left for MK Dons last week, and arrives with the team hovering around the drop zone having picked up seven points from their opening seven games.

Elliot told Crawley’s website: “When the opportunity came about, it was impossible to turn down. I heard there might be some interest, and we spoke to the owners and had such a positive conversation.

“It is so exciting to see the way these players play, and I am really excited to get to work with them on the training ground.”

Elliot's last game in charge of Gateshead was Saturday's 3-1 win at Southend United.