THREE OF THE LETTERS SENT TO DEFEND HIM

DARIO GRADI

DIRECTOR of football at Crewe Alexandra. Manager from 1983-2007 and 2009-2011. Bennell worked with him at Crewe from 1985 to 1992.

CRAIG HIGNETT

SIGNED for Crewe in 1988, aged 18. Bought by Middlesbrough in 1992, where he was playing when writing in support of Bennell.

ROB JONES

PROFESSIONAL at Crewe from 1987 before being bought by Liverpool in 1991 and wrote the letter supporting Bennell while at Anfield.