Crawley Town have appointed Paul Groves as first team coach to work alongside manager John Gregory.

Groves made more than 600 appearances as a player for Blackpool, Grimsby, Leicester, West Brom and York City in a planning career that spanned almost 20 years.

Since retiring, the 48-year-old has managed Grimsby and Bournemouth – where he was also youth team boss – as well as holding coaching roles at West Ham and Portsmouth.

Gregory said: “I’m delighted that Paul has agreed to join us. He will be a valuable member of the backroom team and is someone who is very experienced. I’m looking forward to working alongside him for the coming season.”