Dario: Wages Have To Be Cut

Dario Gradi has warned that the wage budget has to be cut further in order to bring finances in line.

With relegation, a spending spree 18 months ago, the recession and perhaps one or two other 'expenditures', the purse strings at Gresty Road have been thoroughly tightened in 2009. The club haven't spent a penny on transfer fees since John Brayford's arrival in September 2008 leaving former manager Gudjon Thordarson to wheel and deal with frees and loans only.

Dario has now said that further cuts will be necessary and, with up to 10 Alex players out of contract this summer, Dario's comments could signal a mass cull or, at the very least, new contracts on reduced terms.

Whilst relatively high earners Billy Jones and Steve Collis are almost certain to be heading for the exit door in the summer, Dario will also be hoping to off load striker Anthony Elding at some point. Meanwhile the futures of Danny O'Donnell, John Brayford and Steven Schumacher are up in the air and cuts could mean one or two of the trio will be on their way.

Whilst there's still a place for the more experienced players in the side, Dario says that the club will once again be turning to the youngsters in order to build a solid foundation. Speaking to The Sentinel:

'We've got to bring our wages down further and that will be reflected in the offers we make.

'We need to build a team with some experienced players, but have more of our youngsters.'

So it looks like back to basics at Crewe, which is no bad thing after the last few years. The only worry that remains is the rather big one - why are we so skint?

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