Dario Gradi on Steve's superb adjustment to life in the hot seat

Dario Gradi says he is not surprised that Steve Davis has been linked with other clubs because his record at Crewe and his previous club Nantwich Town has been first class. The club’s Director of Football has told the club’s video section of the web-site, Crewe Alex Player that Steve has quickly adapted to life as manager of quite a unique club.

He has been quick to praise his unflappability and willingness to promote promising young players to compliment his squad. Davis has celebrated 18 months in charge with two memorable trips to Wembley for the League Two play-off Final and this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final.

Dario told Crewe Alex Player: “Steve has done a great job and he and Neil (Baker) work well together. They are a good combination and have worked hard to bring success to the club.

“I am not surprised that his name crops up when jobs are mentioned because his record is very good. He has won a promotion, won a cup and finished half way in the league above.

“If you would have asked them to have done that for us when he first took over, he would probably and understandably turned round and said that it couldn’t possibly be done, but he has gone and done it.

“Steve is unflappable and knows how the club works. He knows he has to make the money we lose by promoting young players and selling them on. You can only do that by developing young players and putting them in. Gudjon (Thordarson) never, ever did that and that wasn’t right.”