Schumacher and O'Donnell Shown The Exit

Steven Schumacher and Danny O'Donnell have both been told they will not be offered new deals this summer.

The pair have been major first team players in their three years at the club and are certainly two of the more senior players of the Alex first team.

Since arriving on loan in 2006, O'Donnell has played over 70 games for Crewe and commanded a six figure fee when Dario Gradi secured a permanent move for O'Donnell from Liverpool in the summer of 2007.

Being part of the worst defence in the Football League for the last four years, O'Donnell's departure doesn't come a day too soon - few Crewe fans will be shedding a tear over this one.

Schumacher too has made over 70 appearances since arriving from Bradford in 2007. One of Steve Holland's original signings, he has found it hard to find how down a consistent place in the side due to both injuries and performances. Having made 27 starts, this season has been Schumacher's most successful in his time at Gresty Road but a spate of injuries scuppered his chances of an extended deal.

Speaking of the departures, Dario told crewealex.net:

'Danny has done well during his three years as well, but it is probably better for both us and him as a player if he goes elsewhere.

'Steve is a goal scoreing midfielder and I would have liked to have kept him but he has suffered injuries during his time here and I'm hoping to have Ashley Westwood and James Bailey here next year still, and they are both ahead of him.'

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