Neil Smith departs Cray Wanderers to become Scott Lindsey's assistant manager at League One side Crawley Town

CRAY WANDERERS have confirmed the departure of their manager Neil Smith.

The 53-year-old former Bromley manager, took charge of the Isthmian League Premier Division club on 22 March 2022 and has departed Flamingo Park to become Scott Lindsey’s assistant manager at League One side Crawley Town.

“Following discussions late last night with Crawley Town, I can confirm that Neil Smith has been released to join the management team there,” said chairman Gary Hillman.

“Cray Wanderers would like to thank Neil for everything he has done for the club and wish him all the best in the EFL.”

Crawley Town re-appointed Lindsey last night on a contract until June 2028, having previously managed Lincoln City, Chatham Town, Swindon Town, Crawley Town and Milton Keynes Dons.

Crawley Town are presently sitting in the bottom three in the League One table, having picked up 7 wins, nine draws and 21 defeats and are 12 points adrift of safety, trapped within the relegation zone along with Burton Albion, Cambridge United and Shrewsbury Town.

A Cray Wanderers statement added: “Neil took Cray to our highest ever league position in 2022-23 and managed to attain an Isthmian League place once again in 2025-2026.

“Neil came to Cray practically three years ago to the day in March 2022 and helped the Wands attain Isthmian Premier safety with just six games left, finished fifth the following season and after a tough start last season to a position of safety and oversaw the move to Flamingo Park.

“Following Neil Smith’s departure, Tim O’Shea will set-up from assistant to first team manager for tomorrow’s game with Bowers & Pitsea.

“Tim has plenty of experience as an ex-pro at Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient and Gillingham and Ireland U21s and as a manager and came to Cray in March 2022."

The Wands host bottom-of-the-table side Bowers & Pitsea to Flamingo Park tomorrow sitting in eleventh-place in the Isthmian League Premier Division table, having picked up 15 wins, six draws and 14 defeats.