Arsenal U23 head coach Betsy named Crawley Town boss (2024)

Arsenal Under-23 head coach Kevin Betsy has been named as the new boss of Crawley Town.

Betsy will replace John Yems, who left last month by what the club described as mutual consent after originally being suspended following allegations of discriminatory language and conduct.

He said: “I am joining a club that has a great history that we should no doubt embrace, and we are also looking at an exciting new beginning on many levels both on and off the pitch.

“I was very impressed with Eben and Preston’s vision for the club. Following discussions, l knew I would be working for bright and genuine people that share the positivity and energy to take this club forward. I will work extremely hard and put my heart and soul into every single day to help make us successful.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and faith shown in me by Eben, Preston and the others I have spoken with. I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone at the club. Together, we can look to Crawley Town to be a club that people enjoy coming to watch and that players and staff love coming to work every day. Crawley will be a positive place to bring our local community together and attract the next generation of supporters globally to the club.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Arsenal, all of the staff and players for a wonderful time at the club. The club has been first class in how things have been conducted and allowing me to take this chance to progress myself with the opportunity at Crawley Town.”

Betsy, who has signed a two-year contract with Crawley, will be joined by Dan Micciche. Micciche will be Betsy's assistant manager.

Per Mertesacker, manager of Arsenal's academy, said: “We’re grateful for the work Kevin and Dan have done to manage and develop our under-23s and under-18s.

“Both have shown outstanding coaching ability so it’s no surprise they’re heading into first-team management in the EFL.

“This is a great opportunity for them, and on behalf of everyone at Arsenal, I’d like to thank them for their service and wish them the very best of luck in the future.”

Betsy joined Arsenal last summer, replacing Steve Bould at the Under-23 helm after previously working with England Under-15s, Under-16s, Under-17s and Under-18s.

He had a long playing career in lower-league football, featuring for Barnsley, Wycombe Wanderers and Woking among several other clubs. He has also represented the Seychelles at international level.

Crawley finished 12th in League Two last season. They were taken over by crypto-currency group WAGMI United in April.

(Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

What has he achieved at Arsenal?

Despite being in charge for just one season, Kevin Betsy has achieved a lot as Arsenal Under-23s head coach. Firstly, he improved results, taking them from a 10th placed finish in 2020-21 under Steve Bould to a 3rd place finish last season.

Secondly, he was able to implement a very fluid possession-based style of play very quickly. His side used different systems (3-5-2 and 4-3-3 variations) throughout the year, but always looked to play through the lines. This was successful for the most part, although there were some teething problems at time which resulted in goals conceded/points dropped.

How much of a loss will he be?

The 44-year-old will be a major loss for the Under-23s. The former England youth head coach was very highly regarded not just by the club, but also his players and has been understood to have played a big role in developing their understanding of the game.

As well as having the tactical acumen to implement his methods, he is a very personable figure and incredibly well respected in that manner.

Given the success of his first season in charge of Arsenal Under-23s, a chance of first team management arising is not the biggest surprise. Betsy has built experience over a decade from working in Fulham’s youth setup (Under-13s assistant manager to Phase Lead for 12 to 16-year-olds), before becoming England Under-15s, 16s, 17s and 18s head coach and then joining Arsenal last summer.