07/05/2008 - Fon Williams turns down offer of a new Crewe deal
by Gwyn Griffiths
Crewe have been shocked by Wales under-21 international keeper Owain Fon Williams's refusal to sign a new contract.
The 21-year-old reserve was told he would start as first choice after Ben Williams shelved a decision on his future at The Alexandra Stadium until the summer.
Anglesey-raised Williams, who has yet to make a senior start for Crewe, is viewed as a good prospect. But with his agent appearing to be lining up a move, relegated Derby are believed to be among his suitors, Steve Holland is looking outside the club for a new keeper.
He has already held talks with Gretna's Greg Fleming.
"I would have thought starting in League One would have been an attractive proposition to Owain, but he has played some games for the Wales under-21 side and he has perhaps been advised otherwise.
"It is disappointing," admitted the Crewe coach, "but he is a young man and he is entitled to make his own decisions. That is his call. Both Ben and Owain were offered new contracts and Ben has indicated he hasn't got anywhere to go yet, so he is still a possibility."
Holland has continued his summer rebuilding programme by releasing youngsters Mat Bailey, Ryan Lynch, Junior Brown and Nick Farquharson.
The quartet were at the end of one-year deals, but Holland believes they are unlikely to make any further inroads after brief appearances in the team.
Bailey, who finished off on loan at Weymouth, was converted from a striking role to play centre-half, but with only limited success. Lynch, who joined from Coventry last summer, made one start against Tranmere on January 1 and was most recently on loan at Altrincham.
Brown and Farquharson were among the club's first-year professionals, but as six year scholars have been drafted from this year's Academy batch, they have had to make way. With veteran Neil Cox also retiring and loan signings Steve Jones, Dean Morgan, Kenny Lunt and Joe Anyinsah departing, Holland should have some room for manoeuvre as he looks to strengthen.
Eugen Bopp - who has the chance of a move to a Cypriot club - should also leave, while the future of Ryan Lowe, who is involved in Stockport's League Two play-off campaign, is on the agenda.
"It is always sad to release players, but we have to make room as the team needs improving. There will be the need to create space, so we quite clearly need to be talking to other players as well," said Holland, who has dismissed signing any of his recent loan captures.
"Given the salaries they are on, we have no chance of getting any of them, although Dean Morgan is up for sale at Luton now."
Teenage midfielder James Bailey, who made two substitute appearances as a first year professional, has signed a fresh one-year deal.
"He has a one-year contract, which will be reviewed before Christmas. There will be room for a development group between the senior squad and James needs to be able to get in and play next season," said the coach.