Steve Davis says it is puzzling that FA never turned to Dario to help with Youth Development

In the wake of England’s dismal showing at the Under-21 European Championship in Israel, the Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis remains puzzled that the Football Association never tapped into the knowledge and enthusiasm of Dario Gradi.

The Crewe legend, 71, has built his career around producing quality young players and although he is involved in coaching courses and devising sessions, perhaps the FA should have turned to him for ideas on producing better technical players for the national sides.

Steve, who has worked under Dario as a player, coach, and assistant manager told the club’s official web-site: “I’m surprised that the FA never employed Dario, even on a part-time basis because I’ve never come across someone with as much experience and knowledge and foresight that he has when it comes to producing young players.

“Even now he could have an influence at the FA. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t involve him still and giving players a pathway. At the moment, that doesn’t exist because there are too many foreign players playing in our leagues at the moment.

“The influx of cheap foreign imports have prevented young players from progressing into the first team.

“Dario would be invaluable because we are still producing young players good enough to play for England at various age groups. I’m surprised that Dario has never been asked. He should have been considered.

“He is a legend in Crewe, throughout the Football League and is recognised in the football world for everything he has done for this club and for youth development. He’s built this club from nothing and I remember when it was nothing because I was a player here when Dario first arrived.”