Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell has held talks with a number of the players he will be letting go this summer. The Alex boss has informed the so far unnamed players that they will not be offered a new contract and that will now have extra time to find another club.

Artell made the decisions in face-to-face meetings and although he admits that ‘it is a tough part of the job’, he feels that being honest and open with the players is the best policy.

Dave told crewealex.net: “I have been in their shoes as a player and I know what they are going through. I have been asked in by a manager and been told that I have done well enough to earn myself a new contract and I have been on the other side of things and told thanks but no thanks.

“It is not an easy time for them and I know those phone calls to partners and girlfriends is tough but that is part of football.

“As a manager it is not easy to have tough conversations but I try and be open and honest with them. It is part of my job and you just have to get on with it.

“I think it is better to do face-to-face rather than have a letter sent out and I think players respect that honesty more.

The boss added: “I have spoken to most of the squad now. There is only two or three more to talk to and that will be done either today or tomorrow. Everything will certainly be sorted for next week.”