Colin Kazim-Richards has been sacked – paying the price for Crawley Town’s poor start to the League Two season. And director of football Erdem Konyar has also departed.

It is not unexpected and comes hours after the Reds suffered a seventh defeat in their opening 10 league games, a 3-2 reverse at home to Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night.

A statement issued by the club said: “Crawley Town Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Colin Kazim-Richards and Assistant Head Coach Julian Gray have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.

"Director of Football Erdem Konyar will also be leaving the club.

Colin Kazim Richards at Salford last weekend | Picture by Kyle Hemsley

placeholder image — Colin Kazim Richards at Salford last weekend | Picture by Kyle Hemsley

"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Colin and Julian, who joined during a challenging period and played an important role in securing the club’s EFL status at the end of last season.

"We would also like to thank Erdem for his hard work and commitment since returning to the club last year.

"All three depart with the best wishes of everyone at Crawley Town, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.

"The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Kazim-Richards admitted after last night’s defeat to Shrewsbury his future was in the hands of the club’s hierarchy.

The search is now on for a manager who can turn their fortunes around and pull them away from the bottom of League Two and the threat of their 16-year stay in the Football League coming to an end.

Kazim-Richards was appointed a few games from the end of last season after Scott Lindsey was sacked, and the former Blackburn and Brighton striker guided the Reds to safety, secured with a final day draw with Salford.

In recent weeks fans have become increasingly disillusioned with the Reds’ form and calls for a change in thedugout have steadily grown.

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.