Boss says he understands fans frustration over Clayton contract but that youngster needs support

Steve Davis says the booing of Max Clayton before he had even entered the field of play on Saturday has affected the England youngster. Clayton was booed when replacing captain Abdul Osman during Saturday’s 3-0 hoe defeat by Walsall and the Crewe boss has asked supporters to try and support the teenager rather than hindering his performance.

Clayton, 19, scored twice for the Under-21s yesterday in an emphatic 5-0 win over Sheffield United and the Alex boss says that although he doesn’t agree with the youngsters’ stance over his contract, he will totally support  him whilst he remains a Crewe player.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “The booing has affected Max, because he is only just 19 and he is desperate to do well for Crewe. He is a local lad and he wants to be playing well and helping Crewe Alexandra.

“The situation with his contract is not ideal and I don’t agree with it. I think he has been badly advised but that his prerogative and the prerogative of his agent. 

“He is still very much a Crewe player and part of our plans. He is here for 12 months and he will still be our player unless the compensation is right for us. I will support him because he is one of us. He is a great lad, really bubbly and popular with everyone. He isn’t popular with a certain number of supporters and I understand that they don’t agree with his decision either, but we need to help him to help the team.

“He wants to do well and he works hard every day at training. I can understand the fans are frustrated because he is one our kids and there is a way of doing it. I’ve told Max that the best way to get a move is to play well and score goals.

He added: “I understand how the fans feel but I didn’t agree with booing him before he had even entered the field of play. That is wrong. Fans are entitled to boo if a player doesn’t show effort or miss good chances, but Max works hard every day.”