League One play-off victors Crawley Town have announced that former Swindon Town man Ben Gladwin has opted to retire from football, instead joining the club’s coaching team.
Gladwin, 32, has made the decision to step back from Crawley Town’s squad to join Scott Lindsey behind the scenes. He linked up with the Red Devils in January 2023, ending a fourth spell at Swindon Town. Despite a promising first six months, he struggled in his first full season at Crawley, spending much of his time on the sidelines. He will be remembered for captaining the side throughout their promotion winning campaign.
His senior career spans 14 years, including spells at Wallingford, Hayes and Yeading, Burnham, Marlow, Swindon Town, QPR, Bristol City, Blackburn Rovers and MK Dons before finishing his career at Crawley.
Swindon were perhaps the most notable club of his career, he appeared 152 times for the club, scoring 21 times and contributing 20 assists including appearances in the League One and League Two play-offs for the Robins.
What’s been said?
Speaking to club media, Gladwin discussed the decision:
“I am really excited to get going. There was a bit of like, oh, I wish I was involved still, but I think it’s probably the right time. It’s something I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to do, so I am very happy to get it started. I’ve been asked quite a lot if I am worried about retiring, or do I miss playing. It’s probably not the answer that people want to hear, but, no, not loads. I’ve been so focused on coaching for quite a while now.”
Scott Lindsey also confirmed his delight:
“I am very pleased to have Ben as a part of my coaching team. As he played for us, he understands my philosophy, and the way I want to play. He is just on the first rung of the ladder of his coaching career. He has a lot to add to our coaching team from a players point of view as well as from a coaching side. I enjoyed working with him last season, and I have been really impressed by the detail of his work.”
An important addition
Whilst it must be disappointing for the player to have to hang up his boots, he struggled for vast periods last season. Whilst also helping Scott Lindsey on the sidelines. This decision means that the player can focus on the team as a whole, and the job he was already doing rather than putting in effort to try and get fit.
Gladwin’s experience on the sidelines will be vital to Crawley if they are to navigate the pitfalls of a new and competitive league, where teams are happy to spend seven figure sums to get players who may not even start next season.