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Crewe: an economically challenged club

The excellent two unfortunates site is back in business with a series of assessments of the fortunes of particular clubs in the medium term. They start with Crewe Alexandria: Crewe health check

Paul Wilkinson admits that the club has suffered reputational damage from the sexual abuse scandal and board wrangling. He writes, 'Unable to command regular large matchday attendances, Crewe Alexandra is therefore an economically challenged club unable to pay its players the tempting wages offered by other clubs even within the same division. Its Academy was once renowned as a talent production line, but changes to how clubs are rewarded for nurturing that talent have made the Academy less economic to run.'

He concludes, 'Dario Gradi and John Bowler did much to transform the reputation of Crewe Alexandra Football Club, but there is a very real risk that everything they achieved could come tumbling down unless some strong decisions are taken, and soon. The Railwaymen supporters group is keen for some positive changes, but action is needed quickly – continued mediocre performances mean the club could out of the Football League altogether.'

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