Former Celtic striker appointed Crawley Town manager

Former Celtic forward Colin Kazim-Richards has been appointed Crawley Town boss while Benjamin Nygren reflects on ‘mixed bag’ start to his Celtic career…

The 39-year-old enjoyed a short stint at the Hoops in 2016, arriving during Ronny Deila’s tenure. He found the net twice across 13 appearances before moving on at the end of the season.

Currently part of Arsenal’s youth coaching staff, Kazim-Richards is now tipped to step into senior management for the first time.

The ex-Celtic striker was announced last night as Crawley’s new boss, who are fighting to avoid relegation from League Two.

Colin Kazim-Richards
02.03.2016. Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland. Scottish Premier League. Celtic versus Dundee. Colin Kazim-Richards Photo Vagelis Georgariou Action Plus

Speaking via Crawley’s official website, owner Raphael Khalili said: “Following a thorough and highly competitive recruitment process, Colin distinguished himself as an outstanding candidate. He is a natural leader with extensive experience in the dressing room, and we firmly believe he is the right person to guide the club forward at this important time.”

The West Sussex side sit 21st in the league table after parting ways with Scott Lindsey, following a run of 10 matches without a win.

Over the course of his playing days, Kazim-Richards played for 18 clubs, beginning his professional career with Bury. His career also included spells at Sheffield United, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Feyenoord, Olympiacos and Corinthians.

Despite his brief time at Celtic, he was part of the squad that secured the Scottish Premiership title in 2016, shortly before Brendan Rodgers replaced Deila in the dugout.

Benjamin Nygren on international duty with Sweden
Benjamin Nygren on international duty with Sweden. Photo social media

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren has reflected on his first season in Glasgow whilst on international duty with Sweden.

Nygren said: “It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Unfortunately, we lost a very important match [against Dundee United]. Individually, I’ve done very well, so I’m still coming into this with a lot of confidence. A lot has happened. We’ve had a few managerial changes, and there are very high expectations at a big club like Celtic.”

“We haven’t really lived up to those expectations. We were knocked out in the Champions League play-offs, and we’re not top of the league. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag.”

Conor Spence

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About Author

A current fourth year student studying History and Journalism, Media and Communications at the University of Strathclyde and now writing regularly about the Hoops for The Celtic Star.

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