Davis pleased by players' response after Swindon drubbing

Steve Davis admits it was good to clear the air in the Crewe Alexandra dressing room following a heavy 5-0 defeat at Swindon. The Alex boss felt that the ‘home truths’ session in the wake of the defeat at the County Ground has been the basis for two encouraging performances against Accrington Stanley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and then against title favourites Peterborough United at home. Crewe nearly inflicted a defeat on Darren Ferguson’s side after racing into an impressive 2-0 lead.

Steve appreciates the need for everyone to pull in the same direction told us: “Sometimes it is good to clear the air in dressing room, it is important to get rid of anything that is festering and anything that needs to be said can be said out in the open - within the walls of the club of course. It is only through frustration I think.

“It has been a case of speaking to people and getting to the bottom of any issues they have with each other or with us. I like people to have an opinion. It's not all about me. As long as it doesn’t get out of hand it is good to listen to other opinion and keep an open mind with players and supporters, you can learn from anybody.

“From now on it will be a case of monitoring the situation and getting a feel of the body language. I have pulled a lot of people in and spoke to them and had conversations with them. It is just doing my job, managing the situation.

He added: “I think you could see on Saturday the change. I didn’t expect it to be that quick, but it hasn't taken long and in the week since Swindon we have been able to nail it. We have to have harmony.”