ALEX HAD TO MAKE THE HARD CALLS OVER PLAYERS - MORRIS
CREWE manager Alex Morris says he had to be ruthless in releasing players as he rebuilds his squad for the new season.
Captain Luke Murphy is among eight players who were let go as the club published their retained list.
The midfielder joins Will Jaaskelainen, Chris Porter, Scott Kashket, Tyreece Onyeka, Joe Robbins, Nathan Woodthorpe and Sam Booth in leaving the club.
Morris would like to keep midfielder and players’ player of the year Tommy Lowery, who is also out of contract, but he is also expected to be on his way having failed to sign a new deal. Meanwhile, Morris has made clear he would like to keep striker Mikael Mandron, who is out of contract, and so there is an offer on the table for him.
Goalkeeper Dave Richards and Regan Griffiths have signed new contracts, Connor O’riordan is among the scholars to have agreed professional deals, and defender Travis Johnson has been offered a new contract.
Chris Porter’s exit had already been announced, the club explaining they couldn’t guarantee the veteran striker enough game time.
But, as Morris reflected, releasing younger players at the start of their careers, is always difficult.
He said: “It is never nice to make those calls with those players because, for many of them, we have grown up with them in terms of development from such a young age.
“They have all invested, themselves and their families, so much time into becoming a footballer and trying to make the grade at this club. For those players in particular, it has certainly not been for lack of trying.
“But ultimately in football you have to try to find your way into the team at this club every bit as much as any other club once you reach that 20 or 21 age. If you are not at that stage by then, I think it is the right thing to do for the player to be given the opportunity to forge a career elsewhere.
“Others who are perhaps further down the road, it is a little bit different for them, there are all sorts of different reasons why they may be leaving the building.
“We spoke about the reasons for Chris (Porter) and it is looking increasingly likely that Tom (Lowery) won’t be joining us next year.
“There are others on that list as well who we feel would benefit from a new start away from the building because ultimately we can’t promise them any football next year.
“We have ideas in terms of the types of players we want to bring in and feel would be the right fit for the club. Ultimately, some are going to not be able to hold down a place here because we can only hold so many in the squad.
“You have to be ruthless unfortunately in terms of your decision making processes. It is always what is best for the club and to ensure we have the best possible team out there on July 30.
“If that means some players have to leave then so be it. That is the nature of football.
“It is something that we are comfortable doing. It is not nice but we are comfortable having to make those decision because that is a necessity I am afraid in terms of making those decisions.”
As for Mandron, the manager would like the striker in his squad next season but doesn’t want to wait
too long for an answer in case he has to find a replacement.
He said: “We want Mika to stay. We think he would be highly valuable to the group next year. He can provide so many things that we need from our number nine. Off the pitch as well, he is a great influence.
“So, there is an offer for Mica to remain at the club but ultimately there is a deadline on that because we have to make plans.”