Five released as Crewe get ready for the summer
Last updated : 06 May 2004 By Site Staff
Chris White, Adam Howard, James Feltcher, Robert Hawthorne, and Alex Brown were all part of this seasons Youth Cup success, where they were only beaten by eventual winners Middlesbrough in the semi-final. Unfortunately they will not be offered professional contracts for next season and - with the academy season at an end - they have been released from the club.
Dario has stressed that youngsters must improve; with even naming the likes of Rix and Vaughan amongst them. The likes of Rix and Vaughan have failed to find consistency in their games despite amazing starts to the season and Dario wants every youngster at Crewe to take a look at one man - Dean Ashton.
Ashton transformed his future after a disappointing couple of seasons and is now heading the CreweAlex.com Player Of The Season. 21 goals this season, including England U-21 goals, and has added one thing he missed throughout his career; consistency.
Dario sent a warning to the youngsters after speaking to the official site, CreweAlex.net: “The younger players in the squad have got to prove that they can break through and play consistency well in the First Division. Most of them have proved that they can do it in the Second Division but the step up has been difficult for them.
“Only Dean Ashton can say that he has really made it and the others have got to try and emulate his performances. He has played more games than he has ever done before and thankfully he hasn’t been injured.
“The younger players have got to work over the summer to come back even stronger and quicker and try and put a serious challenge on the First Team squad. A few of them are close to it, but can’t be on the fringes of the team forever.”
These five released players could be the start of a cull after Dario made his feelings clear about some youngsters and the reserves earlier in the season after getting knocked out of the Cheshire Senior Cup. The likes of Adam Yates has already been told he may look for a new club whilst on loan at Halifax and more are expected to receive similar news.
