Vito Mannone takes Crawley Town player-coach role and returns to English football | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, former Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has returned to English football after six years, taking a player-coach role at League Two side Crawley Town.

The ex-Italy Under-21 international joined Sunderland from Arsenal in the summer of 2013, making over 80 appearances across four years before moving to Reading.

He later had spells in the United States, Denmark and France, and said after a stint with Lille last summer that he was ending his playing career.

His role is to head up the goalkeeping department, leading all sessions and player development, and he will also be registered as a player and eligible for selection next season.

Mannone said he is delighted and proud to accept the post, eager to meet the club and start work with staff and players. He pledged to give everything and hopes to pass on his experience towards a successful season.

Head coach Colin Kazim-Richards welcomed his arrival, pointing to Mannone’s calibre, top-level experience and intensity. He said their early talks convinced him Mannone was the right fit and that he looks forward to working together.

Source: Sunderland Echo