BENNELL PHOTOS STILL ON SHOW
PICTURES of Barry Bennell, the former football coach accused of sexually abusing a boy, remain on the walls at Crewe Alexandra.
Sportsmail can reveal the 63–year-old, who has pleaded not guilty to eight charges of sexual assault against a boy under 16, is on a number of team photographs that adorn the walls next to the manager’s office at Gresty Road, where he once worked. Bennell, currently remanded in custody ahead of his next court hearing, is pictured smiling for the camera alongside then manager and current director of football Dario Gradi and the club’s first-team squad in photographs from the 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons. Gradi is currently under an FA suspension. Crewe declined to comment when contacted by Sportsmail. Another former Crewe coach, Paul McCann, has been suspended by the FA, who have launched an investigation into the sexual abuse of children within the sport. Crewe, battling against relegation from League Two, were criticised following a lengthy silence after the scandal emerged. They eventually released a statement saying they were co-operating with police and had launched an investigation of their own. A Gresty Road source said: ‘You would think someone at the club would have the nous to think it might be a good idea to take this down until the court case is finished.’ The charges against Bennell, who was also linked to Manchester City and Stoke City, relate to allegations of abuse between 1981 and 1986. Bennell was remanded until March 20 for a further hearing to take place at Chester Crown Court, with a view to arranging a trial date.