David Artell has told the club’s official web-site that he has accepted Danny Hollands’ decision not to re-sign for us this summer. Hollands will return south to be closer to his family and Artell says he totally understands his decision after spending the last season away from his wife and three young children.

Artell says that having had a discussion with Hollands earlier in the week, he has given him ample time to find a replacement this summer. The Crewe Alexandra boss is after two midfield players after Billy Bingham also declared his wish to return south after spending the last two seasons with us.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “I had a good conversation with Danny and he was genuinely sorrowful that he had to leave. It was tough for him to be away from his young family and I know he would have been prepared to do it again for another 12 months but he was offered a two-year deal that was about 20 minutes from his home, so he would have been a fool not to listen to it.

“Family has to come before league football. It would in my world and I totally understand his decision.

“He has told me early, so we will keep on looking for replacements for Billy and Danny. We have two or three months to do that now.

“Danny understood how good this club is and how we do things in the right way and how he look after our players. There is stability here and Dan enjoyed his time here.”