CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Thursday the retirement of defender Robbie Crawford and his addition to the club’s technical staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season.

Crawford made 122 appearances for the Battery from 2020 to 2024, helping lead the Black and Yellow to back-to-back runs to the Eastern Conference Final the past two seasons. Crawford developed into a fan favorite during his Charleston tenure and is elated about staying with the club as a coach.

“I’m excited about so many aspects of this role and think this a natural next step for me in my overall career,” said Crawford. “Getting to learn from a staff that’s been as successful as they have will be huge for me and my development. I loved being a player but, sadly, the day of hanging it up is inevitable for all athletes. I know that not everyone goes straight into an opportunity like this, so I definitely intend to show the same commitment and dedication to coaching as I did as a player.”

“Robbie is a tremendous ambassador for the Charleston Battery, he has shown his ability to impact this club on and off the pitch since his arrival in 2020,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “As a recent player, he has a great understanding of how to make improvements from a different perspective than what we have had in the past .”

“We couldn’t be prouder to provide a pathway for players to transition into front office and sporting roles within the club, as this has always been an emphasis from ownership,” added Battery President Cohen. “Robbie has always been a great steward of the Charleston Battery, as a player and in the community, over his time here and we are excited for him and his family for this next phase of his career.”

Crawford will primarily assist in training, matchday preparations, scouting and more alongside the coaching staff. He will also help manage the team’s day-to-day sporting operations and logistics.

“Robbie will help our club in a variety of manners on and off the pitch in his unique hybrid role,” said Pirmann. “He can bring an insight into coaching that is fresh and positive, while helping younger players adapt to the demands through their daily routines.”

Crawford first joined the Battery in 2020 following an extensive tenure in Europe. He rose through the ranks for the Scottish giants Rangers FC, from the academy to the first team, making 57 total appearances for Rangers from 2012 to 2016, winning the Scottish Third Division (2012-13) and Scottish League One (2013-14) titles.

The Greenock, Scotland, native also played for Scottish clubs Greenock Morton FC, Raith Rovers FC and East Kilbride FC in his senior career. Crawford’s résumé additionally includes competing in UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualification with Icelandic side Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar (FH) and in the Finnish Premier Division with IFK Mariehamn.

“The squad is incredibly talented, so having the chance to work with them every day and help them maximize their potential will be a rewarding challenge,” said Crawford. “I think being a player so recently will give me a good insight into how the guys are feeling, whether it’s mentally after a tough game or physically after a long preseason or whatever it may be. I was in their shoes and hopefully can pass on some insights to help them over the course of the season.”