It's A Little Early For Nicky

Steve Holland doesn't think it would benefit either Nicky Maynard or Crewe Alexandra if the sought after striker moved on this summer.

Despite spending five months out injured at the start of last season, Maynard came back to score 15 in 25 league games and even finished joint 3rd in the league's top scorer's list. Inevitably he's been linked with big moves to the likes of Middlesbrough, West Brom and Blackburn.

However, Steve Holland is less than keen for his main striker to move on this summer. The first team coach doesn't believe Nicky is quite ready for the big time after only effectively completing two half seasons and believes his loss will only harm the team.

Speaking to crewealex.net, Holland said: 'I am not resigned to losing Nicky. From a personal point of view, it wouldn't be good for the team and the one we are trying to build for next season.

'I would have thought it would be beneficial for Nicky to get a full season under his belt here with us to really show the potential that is so obviously there.'

From those comments though, you can only assume that Holland has little to no say if Maynard moves on. Despite still having the money in the bank to see out another season without any serious danger of money problems, it does seem as though the club will once again cash in at the first chance possible.

We won't be able to attract a player of Nicky's quality, no matter how much money we get from his sale, and we clearly don't have any other goal scoring striker in our ranks. To sell now will just be another kick in the teeth for fans who have seen the effects following the departures of Dean Ashton & Luke Varney.

Unfortunately, it does look like Maynard already has one foot through the exit door.