Crawley place duo in charge

Crawley have placed striker Gary Alexander and chief scout Martin Hinshelwood in interim charge following Richie Barker's sacking.

The duo will be in the dug-out for Saturday's trip to Crewe after Barker was axed on Wednesday afternoon while his assistant, Anthony Williams, had his contract terminated on Thursday morning. Chief executive Michael Dunford told the club website: "While the process of finding a new first-team manager begins we are delighted that Martin and Gary have agreed to look after the side for us. "Martin has a wealth of experience in management and Gary is a respected figure in the dressing room and I'm sure they will have the full support of the players and our fans." Former Brighton boss Hinshelwood added: "It is obviously a difficult time for everyone at the club when a manager leaves but we have a big game on Saturday up at Crewe and that is what Gary, myself and the players are concentrating on at the moment. "It's a challenge we are looking forward to tackling and I hope our supporters will get fully behind the team on Saturday."