Alex Morris has revealed that forward Chris Porter will be leaving the club at the end of the season after five seasons.

Morris held talks with Porter, 38, in regards to his future plans early on after succeeding David Artell because it ‘was the right and fair thing to do’ for such a fantastic servant of the club.

Porter has not been involved in the club’s last three matches as both parties felt it was unfair to risk injury as he searches for a new club. The former Derby and Sheffield United striker has no intention of retiring from the game as he hones in on 200 career goals.

He has scored 54 of those goals in a Crewe Alexandra shirt and has been a superb influence both on and off the pitch.

Morris, who was yesterday appointed full-time manager said: “Chris has not been involved in the last three games and won’t be involved against Lincoln tomorrow. He will travel with us and be that influence that he has always been in the dressing room and around the other players.

“I spoke to Chris very early on about his future and we owed him that. It was the right and honourable thing to do and Chris will be leaving us at the end of the season. He wants to be playing regularly and I couldn't guarantee him that.

"He wants to be involved more and start more games and I understand that.

"I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone in football who is professional as him. I am sure he has two or three years left in at least.

“Chris became a favourite with the fans and rightly so. He has been a terrific servant over the last five years and he has played the game for 20 years and has 650 appearances and close to 200 goals and that is testimony to his ability and professionalism.

Morris added: “He has been truly great for us and he will be missed by the club both on and off the pitch.”