Players must take blame says Pope

Pope is Crewe's leading goalscorer this season

Crewe striker Tom Pope has said the Alex players must take responsibility for the departure of first-team coach Steve Holland.

Holland has been replaced by former manager Dario Gradi and is in talks over his future at the club.

Pope told BBC Radio Stoke: "I think Steve did everything he could to get us out of the position we're in.

"The way we've been playing, the players haven't helped Steve's position one bit."

Crewe currently lie bottom of League One having picked up just nine points from their first 16 games.

For him to go now when we are preparing for Stockport on Saturday is a big shock

Tom Pope

However despite their perilous position, Pope said he was surprised to learn of Holland's fate.

"I spoke to Steve last week about my new contract and he did admit he wasn't sure how long he would be in the job," said Pope.

"But for him to go now when we are preparing for Stockport on Saturday is a big shock."

Meanwhile former Crewe midfielder Craig Hignett has also expressed his surprise at Holland being relieved of his duties.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I was at Crewe with Steve and know that he's a very good coach who works hard.

"It's the first time in 25 years that Crewe have sacked a manager so I am quite shocked."

Hignett, 38, came through the ranks of the Crewe youth team set-up and made over 150 appearances for the club before leaving to join Middlesbrough in 1992.

Hignett worked under Gradi during his time with the South Cheshire club and said he is the ideal man to take control of first-team affairs in the short-term.

"The players will all know Dario and he will know them inside-out.

"I'm not sure he will make big changes but he certainly won't be scared of airing his views or ruffling a few feathers."