David Artell admits that it is never easy releasing players at the end of the season, especially when it comes to not offering second year scholars a professional contract.

The Crewe Alexandra boss recently revealed that he won’t be offering new deals to first-team players Chris Dagnall, Zoumana Bakayogo, Dan Udoh and Ross Woodcock.

He said: “It is not easy having those conservations, but it is part of the job. It can get emotional, especially when it comes to the younger lads. Lee Bell told the scholars who would not be getting a professional contract and that is the most difficult. Those lads have always wanted to be footballers and there are a few tears in those meetings.

“It is done the right way. We sit them down and tell them to their face and they know that if there is anything we can do to help them in their future career then we will do our best to help them.

“I thanked them for their efforts, especially Zooms and Daggers, who have been great servants for the first-team. They understand that it is football and they respect the decision. It was all gracious and you have to make the tough decisions. That is what you have to do when you take the job on.

The boss added: “You have to move on and cannot afford to stand still and although it is difficult, I feel we have made the right decisions.”