New Crawley Town owner Raphael Khalili reveals his plans and vision for the club, with the transition marking a significant new chapter.
Raphael Khalili spoke of his excitement to lead the club into a new era with business partner Ryan Gilbert and the board.
A passionate football fan and competitive businessman, Khalili aims to build success through a three-to-five-year plan focusing on promotion, infrastructure development, and sustainability.
His vision emphasises creating a winning mentality, fostering unity across the club, and prioritising fans as the heart of Crawley Town.
Key priorities include on-field success, backed by manager Scott Lindsey and sporting director Tobias Phoenix, alongside investments in data analytics for recruitment while balancing experience, youth, and team chemistry.
Khalili appointed Tom Orman as CEO and praised the backroom staff’s dedication during the takeover transition.
A preseason trip to Spain was approved to boost team bonding, which he sees as critical for success.
As a hands-on owner, Khalili plans to lead by example, treat all staff equally, and work collaboratively.
He urges fans to “buckle up” for an exciting journey, expressing confidence in achieving success, starting with the upcoming game.
CLUB STATEMENT:
Crawley Town Football Club is pleased to confirm that KB Sports and Leisure has acquired a majority and controlling stake in the club, following its substantial acquisition of WAGMI United LLC.
This transition marks a significant new chapter in the club’s history. KB Sports and Leisure, under the leadership of Raphael Khalili, will now assume full operational control of Crawley Town FC. The new ownership group is committed to driving the Red Devils forward both on and off the pitch, with a focus on sustainable growth, fan engagement, and competitive ambition.
New Leadership Structure
KB Sports and Leisure brings a dynamic and experienced leadership team to Crawley Town. Joining Raphael Khalili on the board are Daniel Khalili, Ryan Gilbert, and Maxwell Strowman, a group with extensive experience in commercial strategy, professional sports, financial services and governance. Together, they bring a modern, disciplined, and forward-thinking approach that will drive the club’s development both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
Comments from the Owner Raphael Khalili
“It is an honour and privilege to take ownership of Crawley Town Football Club. This club has an incredibly loyal fanbase and a rich identity, and we’re committed to building something truly special, something sustainable, ambitious and rooted in the community. Our vision is to create a modern football club that balances on pitch success with long-term stability. We will invest in infrastructure, prioritise data and innovation, and ensure Crawley Town is a club that reflects the values and energy of its supporters.”
Progress Already Underway
As an existing shareholder with the previous ownership, Raphael has already been working collaboratively over the past two months to begin implementing key improvements. This includes initial work on stadium upgrades, detailed planning for the enhancement of training ground facilities, and the early development of a long-term operational strategy built around performance, sustainability, and innovation. The early groundwork reflects the leadership’s proactive and hands-on approach to building the club’s future. As the Controlling shareholder, Raphael will continue to build on this early groundwork going forward.
A Football-First Approach
As part of that football-first commitment, Raphael Khalili played a contributing role in bringing First Team Manager Scott Lindsey back to the club. The leadership, identity, and on field structure Scott had previously instilled made it a top priority to re-establish that continuity. His return represents a strong statement of intent: Crawley Town is building on its strengths, not starting from scratch. Joining Scott as a permanent member of the football staff is the club’s Sporting Director, Tobias Phoenix. Tobias has worked closely with Scott and Raph this summer and is committed to pushing the club forward on the field.
KB Sports and Leisure’s Vision for Crawley Town
The new leadership has outlined a six-pillar strategic approach:
Strong Foundations and Doing the Basics Right: Our first priority is to ensure the fundamentals of the club are operating at the highest standard. From internal processes to matchday operations, we will focus on building a solid, professional foundation that supports everything else.
Infrastructure Investment: Upgrade Broadfield Stadium and training facilities to provide a professional environment for players, staff and fans.
Data-Driven Football: Implement modern data and analytics across recruitment, match preparation, performance development, and strategic planning.
Financial Discipline – Operate sustainably and transparently, ensuring long-term financial health without compromising ambition.
Fan Engagement – Deepen ties with the Crawley community through grassroots partnerships, outreach programmes, and inclusive initiatives.
Cultural Identity – Build a club culture defined by ambition, integrity, hard work, and innovation, making Crawley Town a place people are proud to be a part of.
Everyone at the club is excited about this new era and looks forward to working alongside Raphael and the rest of the KB Sports and Leisure board to shape a bright, united future for Crawley Town Football Club.
First Team Manager Scott Lindsey said: “There’s a real sense of excitement and direction around the club right now. Raphael and the new board clearly understand what Crawley Town represents, and more importantly, what it can become. Raphael has a strong grasp of both football and people, and in my 30 plus years in the game, I can confidently say the club couldn’t be in better hands. Their backing, ambition, and clear vision will give us everything we need to keep progressing, on and off the pitch.”
🗣️ “Raph is the reason I came back to the football club. It’s going to be a better place because of him.”
Scott Lindsey on the club’s new ownership.#TownTeamTogether🔴 pic.twitter.com/SgWyDgW3Ud
— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) August 1, 2025
Here’s how fans reacted as the new Crawley Town owner Raphael Khalili reveals his plans and vision for the club…
@stephen_dimmock: So the WAGMI era is officially over, and hopefully the club will be more normal and sensible going forward. Am glad that the press release is talking more about improving infrastructure and supporting Scott than pie-in-the-sky ambitions
@EllisBarton: As long as they keep Lindsey on, we’re okay.
@GHCoaches: We would also like to welcome our new owners to our club – it has been a turbulent couple of seasons but now with the new directors and a new vision going forward it is something that we needed – it’s all extremely positive for us supporters and hopefully an exciting future ahead
@ctfc_b: Goodbye Wagmi United, you set of incompetent, arrogant bastards. Roll on the new era.
@ShuttleworthCT: Feels like I’m dreaming ❤️
@danp_89: Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey …. Finally!!! 🔴❤️
@RyanBuss700: Fucking yes 😃 no more Wagmi. Hopefully these new owners will bring a bright future. Come on you reds 😃 bring on the season opener tomorrow. Scott Lindseys Red Army
These lot seem a bit more sensible thank goodness 🤞🏻 https://t.co/29Liutbazq
— Gabriel Sutton (@GabSutton) August 1, 2025
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