By Jules Hornbrook
14/03/2008 - Alex Sentinel: Back to start for club on slide
For several years, I have listened to friends who are adamant Crewe Alex will, eventually, return to the basement division.
The predictions of doom started soon after Dean Ashton was sold and no obvious replacement was found.
While replacing a player of Deano's stature was always going to be impossible, on the face of it not enough effort was made. Moreover, as the dreadful years have rolled on, it appears a conscious decision was made to invest transfer money in directors' companies rather than spend the cash on footballers.
Sadly, I now have to agree with my friends. Although efforts to recruit new and better players have been made, the club is falling way short of the mark. Everything seems to be done at a snail's pace. There's always a problem. We're only a small club, and potential incoming players don't have the heart for a battle!
Well, let's forget the players who don't jump at the opportunity to join our fast-declining club. I'd much rather focus on the shambles currently masquerading as players who seem to wear the red of Crewe without much pride. A few decent draws against good sides has, I'm afraid, pulled the wool over too many supporters' eyes. When the chips are down our current crop cannot hack it.
And make no mistake - the club is on the slide on several levels.
Results are shocking, there is - no matter what Holland says - a distinct lack of bottle being shown by our own players, we are losing money and there seems little innovation from the club's administration to address these issues.
After Tuesday's horror show, there was considerable abuse aimed at club staff. Not just as players left the pitch, but in the main lounge under the stand.
Fans have every right to make their feelings known. They are passionate about their club. Unfortunately, some of those in positions of power at Gresty Road do not communicate their enthusiasm.
As for our current predicament, only Gillingham failing to win games looks likely to save our season and our foreseeable future.
A win down south will be fantastic, but many critical fans will also want to see genuine passion. If not, the many who walked through the gates in disgust after Tuesday's defeat might never return. It is that serious. Please, prove us wrong.