Davis says dressing room does contain a selection of leaders

Crewe Alexandra do possess players capable of leading the team through a difficult period, according to boss Steve Davis. A young Crewe Alexandra squad is often criticised for being too quiet out on the pitch and not having a vocal leader out on the pitch or in the dressing room – an argument that is often debated as a trait of modern day footballers.

Davis says that he does have captain material in his dressing room and in the absence of club captain Abdul Osman in recent weeks, the armband has been handed to defenders Adam Dugdale and Harry Davis. The boss says that the likes of Matt Tootle, Steve Phillips, Mark Ellis and Anthony Grant all show leadership qualities too.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We do have leaders here. They may not be very vocal but they are the type who can lead by the example they set. It happened with Murph (Luke Murphy) last season and Ashley Westwood before his move to Aston Villa. They both grew into the role and Murphy excelled for us for last season.

“It was a major part of his development and I think it helped him become a real leader for us. It could happen with Harry if he is captain again and Toots may have been a captain as well. They have been our two most consistent players and in a back four that has struggled to keep the ball out of the net as well. 

“Duggy and others are very capable to be captains and leaders and they don’t need to necessary have the armband to do that. They all take responsibility and are happy to do that.”