Alex Morris has taken the difficult decision to leave Crewe Alexandra after 28 years.

Here, he addresses former teammates, colleagues, and supporters to express his thoughts on his departure...

To everybody connected with Crewe Alexandra,

This football club is very close to my heart and I will miss it.

Being here has never been just a job to me, and the people I’ve worked with have never been just colleagues.

It’s a family, and nothing could be harder than saying goodbye to a family.

Crewe Alexandra is special and unique for many reasons – none more so than the people who work within it, and the supporters who follow it.

Loyalty is something I value very highly in life. It’s something I have given to this club, and the club has given back to me.

I’m really grateful for the trust that has been placed in me and enabled me to move from being a player to having now fulfilled every coaching and management role. I’m proud of that.

I’ve had some fantastic times and enjoyed every minute. In particular, seeing players I coached from the age of six come through and bring success to the club was so fulfilling. I will always treasure the fond memories I have.

I always knew it would take an extraordinary opportunity to persuade me to leave. It is a huge wrench because I’ve spent almost three-quarters of my life here.

But you have to strive for new challenges, and one has come along that I cannot turn down.

What pleases me more than anything as I walk out of the door for the final time, is the knowledge that the club is in good hands.

The Academy staff, led by Aidan, continue to provide an outstanding environment in which our young players can thrive and prosper.

At first-team level, Lee, Kenny, and the all staff I have worked so closely with, are as passionate about Crewe Alexandra as I am. With their continued support, I’ve every confidence that the future is bright under Lee's stewardship.

There are far too many people to name, but I’d like to sincerely thank everybody who has helped and worked alongside me over the past 28 years.

See you soon,

Alex