Vito Mannone returns as Crawley Town player-coach in League Two | OneFootball

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has returned to English football as League Two Crawley Town’s player-coach. Sunderland Echo reports that it is his first stint back in the country in six years.

The former Italy Under-21 international joined Sunderland from Arsenal in summer 2013. He made over 80 appearances during a four-year stay before moving to Reading.

Spells in the United States, Denmark and France followed, and he brought down the curtain on his playing career after a stint with Lille last summer.

Mannone will now resume playing while heading up Crawley’s goalkeeping department, taking charge of sessions and player development. He will also be registered with the squad and be eligible for selection for the new season.

He described himself as delighted and proud to take on the role, eager to meet staff and players and to get started. He hopes to pass on his experience and give everything towards a successful season.

Head coach Colin Kazim-Richards praised Mannone’s calibre and top-level knowledge, adding that insights from a nation renowned for goalkeepers have raised standards. He highlighted the intensity Mannone brings and judged him the right fit from their first conversation.

Source: Sunderland Echo