Farewell to defender after five years of great service.

Jon Guthrie will be leaving Crewe Alexandra this summer after rejecting the chance to re-sign for the club. Crewe boss David Artell confirmed at this morning’s press conference that the defender had a conversation with him to explain his decision to move on.

Guthrie is expected to sign for a League One club in the close season and although disappointed, Artell says the popular centre-half goes with his best wishes.

Guthrie, 24, signed from non-league side Pewsey Vale back in 2012 and he went on to make 137 appearances for Crewe in all competitions. His only senior goal came in a 2-1 home defeat to Barnsley back in February 2016.

Guthrie’s versatility made him a valuable member of the back four but Artell says he will find suitable replacement this summer.

Artell told crewealex.net: “I had a conversation with Jon and he told me that he wanted to leave, which was fine. We had a good chat and I am disappointed that he is leaving because I wanted to re-sign with us.

“He said that we could have not have done anything more to convince him to stay and then he texted me saying the same thing. His dad also made contact and thanked the Football Club for what we have done for his son, which was nice.

“We are disappointed that he is going. He said he has a League One club prepared to sign him, so all we can do is wish him well.

“We will move on quickly, we have to. Now we know what we need there, we will be working hard to get one or two over the line as quickly as possible.”

Everyone at Crewe Alexandra would like to thank Jon for his service and we wish all the best.