Chairman Charles Grant is impressed by how Alex Morris is adapting to management – on and off the pitch.

Morris, 39, became boss for the first time at the end of last season, after years of moving through the academy ranks as an outstanding coach.

Crewe Alexandra have made a strong start to the 2022-23 campaign, with back-to-back wins to start a season for the first time since 1994-95.

But Mr Grant is equally pleased with how the new management team – which also comprises Lee Bell and Kenny Lunt – have approached the work behind the scenes. 

He said: “Alex is very responsible and knowledgeable. He has made a very good start both on-field and off-field, understanding what the board expects, what the players have to do and what the crowd would like to see. I’m pleased. 

“Everyone knows our salary budgets are amongst the lowest. The advantage we have is the people here, from Alex, Lee and Kenny down through the ranks, all understand this football club.

“They get pretty much carte blanche to do as they wish with most things, but they don’t get that with the finances because that is limited.

“We’ve effectively had a £2m swing from last year to this year, and that is effectively funded by the directors. Alex is working within the guidelines that he has been set very well.”

The Chairman also had words of praise for Crewe supporters, who have backed the club strongly at matches so far this season.

He added: “There is always concern when you get relegated about whether you can retain your support.

“We know our hardcore will always be with us but we have done well in terms of the way the team has started to encourage supporters to stay with us. The support overall is just fantastic and to hear them singing is a real joy.”