Colin Kazim-Richards has been handed his first senior management position after Crawley Town named the 39-year-old as their new head coach.
The former Turkey international takes charge of the League Two side following Scott Lindsey's dismissal earlier this week.
Lindsey departed after a dire run of form that yielded just five points from ten matches, leaving the Red Devils sitting 21st in the table and just one point above the relegation zone.
Since retiring from professional football in 2023, Kazim-Richards has been developing his coaching credentials within Arsenal's youth academy.
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The London-born coach spent two years honing his skills at the north London club, where he also trained as a youngster himself.
His playing days saw him turn out for 18 clubs across six countries.
Beginning his career at Bury, Brighton and Sheffield United, he subsequently moved abroad to represent Fenerbahce, Toulouse, Galatasaray and Olympiacos.
A loan spell at Blackburn brought him back to England in 2012, before stints at Feyenoord and Celtic followed.
Colin Kazim-Richards has been handed his first senior management position after Crawley Town named the 39-year-old as their new head coach
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At Parkhead, he claimed a Scottish Premiership winners' medal in 2016.
Spells in Brazil with Coritiba and Corinthians came next, along with time in Mexico, before he concluded his career at Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk.
He earned 37 caps for Turkey, featuring in their Euro 2008 semi-final run.
Lindsey's exit came just a day after marking one year since his return to the club for a second spell in charge.
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He began his career at Bury, Brighton and Sheffield United
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His record during this period read 12 victories, 14 draws and 27 losses, a stark contrast to his first tenure when he guided Crawley to League One via a Wembley play-off triumph over Crewe Alexandra in 2024.
Crawley owner Raphael Khalili said in a statement: “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.
"Colin enjoyed a highly accomplished playing career and brings a wealth of experience across all levels of the game. That depth of knowledge will be invaluable given our current situation."
The former Turkey international takes charge of the League Two side following Scott Lindsey's dismissal earlier this week
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He added: "Just as importantly, he has the ability to connect with players, inspire confidence, and foster a strong, unified environment within the squad.
"His ambition, determination, and clear vision for success made a strong impression on us.
"We are confident that under his leadership, he will install belief throughout the team and deliver a positive and sustained improvement in results."
Crawley currently sit level on points with Newport County, who occupy the final relegation spot, with only goal difference keeping the Red Devils out of the bottom three.
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