Opposing Views: Crewe Alexandra
Here are the views of Sam, a Crewe fan who is predicting “implosion and chaos” for the Valiants this season. Well, thanks a lot…
About Opposing Views: Before each first-team game, OVF regular REP will bring you the views of the opposition with one or more supporters answering our questions. This time it’s the turn of Crewe Alexandra…
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Sam, I’ve been a Crewe fan since I was a kid although the first season I remember going is about 25/26 years ago.
How do you expect your team to do?
You’ll struggle to find many people that would back us to be in the top-half…
It’s always impossible to predict with us, although you’ll struggle to find many people that would back us to be in the top-half. We’ve lost some quality players (and might lose more), the replacements don’t seem to have filled anyone with excitement but there’s always that chance that a young player will emerge and shine.
Who should we watch out for?
Colclough (if he signs) is a dangerous player, Brad Inman on his day is unplayable at this level (unfortunately it hasn’t been his day for quite some time) and Cooper has the ability to create.
What are your thoughts on your manager?
His man-management seems to upset some players and his signings have been erratic at best…
Steve Davis is a bit devisive, his man-management seems to upset some players and his signings have been erratic at best, he also seems unsure about how he wants Crewe to play. While we’ve definitely got bigger and more physical we seem to have lost a bit of the passing and technical ability that Crewe teams have excelled with in the past.
On the other hand he’s been successful with a promotion and a cup (albeit a paint pot) which are proof that he’s got ability. He’s getting the hang of rebuilding quickly, which is something you have to deal with at a selling club, and he gives young players a chance.
Tactically he’s quite a strange one though, a lot of his success has come from an unexpected change catching an opposition off-guard, yet he’s a bit fond of sticking with these changes long enough to become predictable.
What are your thoughts on your board?
John Bowler certainly wants what is best for the club and has done an amazing job at helping the club transform into what it is today. There are certain members of the board that are controversial to say the least and seem to be looking after their business interests rather than the club. I won’t mention who, but I think every Crewe fan on here knows who I’m referring to.
Which one Vale player past or present would you sign?
That’s a really tricky one, as your squad is mostly made up of our cast-offs I’m not going to mention any of the current team but I’d take Steve Guppy at the moment.
How do you expect Vale to do this season?
A strong start followed by implosion and chaos. It’s a fairly safe bet for any Vale season though.
What is your most memorable game against Vale?
Colin Cramb’s lovely volley at Gresty Road was also a favourite moment…
Beating you lot 3-2 at Vale Park in 1997/98 always brings a smile to my face.
Colin Cramb’s lovely volley at Gresty Road was also a favourite moment.
A score prediction?
2-1 to Crewe LDV and Haber both on the score sheet, I’m guessing that one of our cast-offs might score for you.