Steve Holland was previously Crewe's Academy director (Getty)

Crewe first team coach Steve Holland says his side are in need of 'major surgery' after narrowly avoiding relegation from League One.

The Alex, who lost 4-1 at home to Oldham on Sunday, would have gone down if Bournemouth had won at Carlisle.

"It has been a timely reminder that some major surgery is required," Holland told BBC Radio Stoke.

But Holland's own job is safe, having been told by chairman John Bowler that he will be in charge next season.

"I think Steve's an excellent coach," said Bowler. "He's a strong character who has learnt a lot and has enormous potential."

Bowler also recognises the need for Holland to strengthen the first team squad.

"Now it is our job to make sure he has the tools to work with," said Bowler. "We won't panic but we will support the coach so he can get the players he needs."

Holland did not mince his words in assessing the calibre of his squad - not helped by the absence of vastly experienced skipper Neil Cox who, having been sidelined by a shoulder injury in February, announced his retirement before the end of the season.

We are lacking a leader. This has been a problem all season long and we have got to try and address it Crewe coach Steve Holland

"We've got to improve the team," he said. "Recruitment will be a priority. We know we need better because, at the minute, we're a long way off.

"It's not a lack of effort. The players have tried hard all season. But there is a lack of character and drive among some of the players and we are lacking a leader.

"This has been a problem all season long and we have got to try and address it."

It has been a tough first season in charge of the Alex first team for Holland, who took over from Technical Director Dario Gradi last summer.

"For many weeks it looked like we could be relegated," said Holland, "so to avoid the drop is a huge relief.

"But that is still tempered by the anger I've got for the performance on the last day."

Meanwhile, Matt Bailey, Ryan Lynch, Junior Brown and Nick Farquharson have all been told that they can leave.