23/06/2008 - Technical director Dario to head Crewe academy
Dario Gradi plans to take sole charge of Crewe Alexandra's Academy next season.
Gradi, who turns 67 next month, stepped aside from first-team managerial duties last summer to allow youth coach Steve Holland to take the reins.
And while Holland retained the title of academy director, he delegated most of the work with the club's junior sides to technical director Gradi and coaches James Collins and Neil Critchley.
Now he will concentrate his energies entirely on his senior coaching role, although Gradi will maintain his connection with the first team by holding skills sessions and goalkeeping coaching.
"I had a good year personally and I enjoyed working with the Academy. Now I've got a real grip of what I want to do next season," said Gradi.
"I will be doing a bit more with the senior players on an individual basis, particularly with the goalkeepers, and I will, more or less, take over Steve's job at the Academy.
"One of us needs to be there and be the one the kids are responding to."
While Crewe's managerial revamp has come under fire from some supporters, Gradi says it was the right time for him to scale down his involvement in the first team, particularly as Holland had been offered an academy position with Tottenham.
"It had come at the right time for Steve and I think the set-up will work because it is best not having the manager doing everything," explained Gradi. "Steve was able to spend a lot more time on the team in terms of the preparation.
"We get on fine and we debate everything like we always did, but now Steve has the final say in what he does with regard to the senior players.
"The whole thing is much harder now and, while I enjoy the football, I don't necessarily enjoy all the hassle which goes with it."
While Holland endured a rough ride in his first season at the helm as Crewe battled - ultimately successfully - against the drop from League One, Gradi says his personality shone through.
"Steve couldn't have had a harder year, but he came through it very well," he added.
"He kept his cool and didn't panic or shout at the players.
"He was constructive all of the time, but even he is surprised at the difference between what he is doing now compared to what he was doing before."
