Gradi has taken charge of Crewe in more than 1,200 games

Crewe caretaker manager Dario Gradi has said former boss Steve Holland lost his job because of fan unrest rather than a lack of confidence from the board.

Holland was removed as first-team coach in November after numerous protests from fans at the Alexandra Stadium.

Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke: "The only drama we've had here in 20 years was when Steve went.

"That wasn't brought about by the board but was rather a result of the unrest in the stadium."

It has been reported that the Alex are close to appointing their next manager, with Gudjon Thordarson and John Ward understood to be vying for the job.

"I've been at all the interviews and I've been impressed with all the candidates," said Gradi.

"The directors will speak this weekend and then we'll be a step closer.

"I'll be surprised if the game with Millwall isn't my last game in charge," he added.

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