Steve Coppell quits Crawley Town

Crawley Town's new director of football Steve Coppell

A national newspaper reported he could leave in protest at the dismissal last week week of manager Richie Barker, which was denied by chief executive officer Michael Dunford on Friday, who said the former Reading boss and England star was still at the club.

However they have now confirmed he has left Broadfield.

Coppell joined Crawley Town in April 2012 after the departure of Steve Evans to Rotherham.

He saw out the end of the season working alongside caretaker manager Craig Brewster, helping them secure promotion from League Two.

Since then he has been a valued advisor and helped in the appointment of managers Sean O’Driscoll and then Barker.

Michael Dunford said: “Steve will always have a special place in our hearts at Crawley Town FC because he was instrumental in assisting Craig Brewster in securing our promotion to League One and has since been a very good advisor to the both the board of directors and the team management.

“Steve is a long term friend of our owners and will always be welcome at Crawley Town FC and we wish him every success for the future.”

The club website added: “He leaves with a huge thank you from the Directors and owners of Crawley Town Football Club.”