Colin Kazim-Richards is poised to be appointed as the new manager of League Two strugglers Crawley Town, marking the former Celtic forward’s first step into senior management.
The 39-year-old, who had an unsuccessful spell at Parkhead under Ronny Deila in 2016, has spent recent years working as a specialised attacking coach within Arsenal’s academy. Now he looks set to take charge at Broadfield Stadium following the dismissal of Scott Lindsey.
Kazim-Richards, nicknamed ‘Big Z’, enjoyed a nomadic playing career that spanned 18 clubs across multiple continents, including stints in Brazil, the Netherlands and Mexico. The English-born Turkey international signed for Celtic on Deadline Day in February 2016 after the club’s disappointing acquisition of Nadir Ciftci the previous summer.
His time in Glasgow proved brief. He opened his account in a 2-0 Scottish Cup victory over East Kilbride but managed only one further goal before his release at season’s end. He subsequently made a surprise move to Brazil, joining Coritiba before later representing Corinthians.
Since hanging up his boots, Kazim-Richards has expanded his coaching credentials with Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil while maintaining an active media presence.
His appointment at Crawley represents a bold gamble by the club’s ownership. The West Sussex side, controlled by investment groups with cryptocurrency links since 2022, have experienced constant managerial upheaval. Having secured promotion to League One via the play-offs in 2024, they immediately suffered relegation and now face the prospect of consecutive demotions, currently sitting without a victory in ten matches.
The decision to entrust a complete managerial novice with such a precarious situation raises eyebrows, though Kazim-Richards will hope to draw upon his vast experience across European and South American football to stabilise the club.