Dean Saunders named Crawley boss as John Gregory leaves to have open heart surgery

John Gregory has stood down as Crawley boss to have heart surgery, with Dean Saunders replacing him on an interim basis.

The League One club have released a statement confirming the change of manager "with immediate effect", leaving Saunders in charge for Sunday's home game against Colchester.

Gregory will have open heart surgery at the start of January, little more than a year since he succeeded Richie Barker in the Crawley job, and according to Saunders the long-term plan is for the former Aston Villa boss to resume his duties.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's an unusual circumstance. I was at Aston Villa when John was Brian Little's assistant and I had a good relationship wiht him. He personally rang me, after the chairman rang me, and asked would I come in.

"I also know the chief executive from when I was at Derby, and at some point I have to roll my sleeves up and get back in. Some people might say 'you're mad' but it's very rare you walk into a job and everything's perfect.

"The main thing is John's health, and he's in remarkable spirits. He's a strong man, and I'm sure he'll come through it. The plan is he comes back, and if I can come in and help the club get out of where it is...

"They've got some decent players and the chairman's really enthusiastic - he's assured me he'll give me the tools to improve things."

Crawley's statement said: "John will need a lengthy period of recuperation. This operation needs to be done as soon as possible but is not stress related."

It said Saunders, who has not had a manager's job since leaving Wolves in May 2013 "will be responsible for every aspect of the playing side including coaching, player recruitment and scouting."

The former Wales striker joins a club in the League One relegation places, just two points off the bottom.