Alex Morris has told the club’s official website that there are only positives to take from having Luke Murphy in the building. The midfielder is currently training with the club to keep up his fitness and conditioning as he seeks a new chapter in his career following his release last summer.

Murphy’s second spell with the club came to an end following the conclusion of his two-year contract and the 32-year-old is assessing his current options after having interest from elsewhere.

Murphy made 43 appearances for the club last season and regained the captain’s armband under previous boss David Artell. The former Leeds and Burton Albion man played 90 minutes against Halesowen in mid-week to add some experience to a young Crewe side.

Alex told the club’s official website: “Murph is a club legend and there are only positives to having him in the building. He leads by example not just by the way he plays and trains, but also how he carries himself off the pitch and how he lives his life.

“He is the ultimate professional and that has to have an impact on the younger players here.

“As often happens here when one of our former players wants to come in during the off-season to work on their fitness and conditioning then we will try to accommodate them. That has happened over many years and Murphy wants to remain as fit as he can be before he moves on to his next club.

The Alex boss added: “You can never say never in this game because football can always throw up surprises or situations, but Luke is predominately here to keep himself fit and it suits both parties.”