I did not understand why we signed Dagnall. The drop to League 2 seemed a perfect opportunity to give Saunders a decent run in the first team, not least to confirm whether or not he can make the grade. If not, release him. Udoh was thrown into the deep end last season and did well. Now he cannot get a game for the first team despite scoring goals regularly for the U23s. We are only scoring a goal per game and the Lowe/Dagnall combination is clearly not delivering.

As for the Academy, I supported it wholeheartedly for years, but these days it takes a disproportionate amount of funding from the Club to the detriment of the first team and seems to be very much the top priority despite any relegation to non-league meaning its end. Other teams manage without one or make do with a Category 3 academy. Why not Crewe? Times have changed and the once and mighty business model is no longer worth it. A root and branch overhaul of the Club is required, and difficult decisions have to be made. Whether the present Board is capable of doing more than deciding on Bourbon biscuits or Custard Creams for their meetings is an open question.