Columnists

By Jules Hornbrook

25/04/2008 - Alex Sentinel: Williams wrong to wait on new deal

Wouldn't it be wonderful if footballers had to live in the real world? I say this on the back of the usual end-of-season shenanigans, where certain players get cute about their contracts and keep fans and clubs hanging on.

We see it each year at Gresty Road. Talent doesn't seem to have anything to do with it as the lure of a new contract and more cash elsewhere sees players' details circulated worldwide by their agents!

Take Alex keeper Ben Williams as an example. I've never rated him and yet it seems as though the Alex are having to act because of his refusal to consider a new contract. Well, at least until the summer.

Sorry, Ben, but that's not good enough. Over the next few months, I won't be considering my supporting future. It's been a crap season, but I'll be back for more in August.

Let's put this into perspective. Williams, like the rest of the current players, has played a big part in our recent demise. Few have stood out and none deserve much praise.

In fact, for the first time in years, I struggled when filling out the player of the season slip.

The Alex have flirted with relegation for the last couple of months. You can point the finger at the management or the style of play but, ultimately, the players must take responsibility.

One thing at Crewe that cannot be faulted is the superb facilities. The players have it pretty good compared to many at League One level, yet here we are, scrapping with the dregs.

In my simplistic fan's book, the players who drag us down should help get us back up.

That Williams can come out and say he wants to play at the highest level possible is laughable. As far as I'm concerned, he's played a part in dragging us down.

And yes, I do want to point the finger. Much of his judgment can and should be called into question. He's made some great saves, but he has made more than his fair share of howlers.

You must also ask questions about team morale and stability. In the final games, are the other players happy to step out alongside a player who has said he's probably quitting?

Of course, we rarely have all the facts. Footy clubs play their cards close to their chest. Maybe there is more to this story.

Football is about passion, opinions, favourites, memories and expectations. I won't be losing any sleep over Ben Williams's departure...