Dario says that it is a shame Daniel Trickett-Smith chose the career path he did.

Dario Gradi says that the career path of our former Academy graduate Daniel Trickett-Smith acts as a good example if a young player leaves for a big club too early.

Trickett-Smith left Crewe Alexandra as a promising 16-year-old but after earning a professional deal at Liverpool was released this summer without making the breakthrough into the first-team.

Dario believes that the Staffordshire-born youngster would have played in Crewe’s first-team and could well have attracted interest from bigger clubs in time.

Following his release from Anfield, Smith, 20, has signed for American outfit Sacramento Republic FC, who play in the third tier of the United States League.

Dario told the club’s official web-site: “What has happened to Dan is a good example of what can happen. He left us for Liverpool and it was a real shame because I think he would have played in our first-team.

“I just couldn’t convince him and his dad that staying here was the best option. It is mostly the dads that seem to steer the kids that way and it’s a shame for him.

“The only two that have ever done something after leaving us is the Blackburn lad Grant Hanley and Ben Marshall, who couldn’t see a way into the first team because Gudjon was in charge at the time.

“When we are made aware of an illegal approach for one of our youngsters, I don’t think there is much point in challenging it and fighting with the other club. If they want to leave, they will leave anyway but I know the majority of the parents know that Crewe is the best option for their child.

“They see the improvement they make and the attention we show them. They can also see that passage into our first team. If you want to make it then you have to play games and get that experience.

He added: “Then if you leave for a million or so then you have a better chance of playing in that club’s first team. Even Nick (Powell) was put in when Alex (Ferguson) was there and I am sure his career at Manchester United would have been different if Alex had stayed.”