Gradi thanks friend and Hart praises 'quality' Crewe

Last updated : 21 September 2003 By Site Staff
Dario Gradi
Meanwhile Dario thanked a old friend who was his guest at West Ham on Tuesday. Dario explained to Radio Stoke:

"A good friend of mine, Charles Hughes, who used to be at the Football Association, was my guest here for the West Ham game last week and afterwards I said to him I didn't know where the goals were going to come from.

"He told me I should look back over the past few games as all our goals had been coming from set plays anyway and that I needed to brush up on the free-kicks. I thought, 'Yes he's bloody right. Why didn't I think of that?'

Whilst he thought it was unfair that Crewe went behind - but we came back well...

"We didn't deserve to be behind but were always worried where the goals were going to come from.

"We spent a lot of time working on set plays, and it bore fruit today. My forwards worked hard, especially Steve Jones, he's a small lad but he put himself about all over the pitch."

The Crewe boss had no doubts about the quality of entertainment despite a goalless first half. He admitted: "At half time I said to my players I hope you're enjoying this game as much as everyone else is."

Meanwhile Forest boss Paul Hart thought his side were second best....

"We started well and took the lead but were always second best and really rode our luck for a lot of the match. Crewe's pressure told in the final third.

"We lost because Crewe played well. We were unable to cope with the quality of free-kicks and delivery from their midfield."