David Artell has praised his outgoing club captain George Ray for being ‘brutally honest’ when discussing his future.
Ray, 25, declined the offer of a new contract to end his long association with Crewe Alexandra and Artell praised his honesty all the way through the negotiations.
The Warrington-born Ray wanted a fresh challenge after making 165 appearances for the club and captaining the club under Artell. He scored seven goals, most memorably including the winner away at Portsmouth with a fantastic header.
The Wales Under-21 International will depart on a free transfer and goes with the manager’s best wishes.
David explained to the club’s official website: “We made George an offer which he declined. We was very open and honest all the way through and we appreciated that.
“He wants to move on for a new challenge and he believes the time is now right. He was brutally honest about that from the start and that helps you know where you are. He has been a great player for this football club and he goes with our best wishes.
“There was no fall out or hard feelings. His mind was made up and we made him the best offer we could because we wanted him to stay.”