Gradi has coached more than 1,500 career games

Crewe Alexandra boss Dario Gradi says he still learning, despite having 32 years of management experience.

Gradi arrived at the Alexandra Stadium in 1983 and is currently in his 27th season at the club, having managed over 1,500 games throughout his career.

"I am still learning, I think I'm a better manager now than I was three years ago," the 69-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I don't think there's any substitute for experience."

He added: "You've got to have some ability in the first place but the more experience you get, the better you should be."

Gradi also dismissed concerns that he is too old to continue in such a demanding job.

They're a better quality than the team I first got promotion with in this league and of course there's still room for improvement Crewe boss Dario Gradi

"As long as you're able to do the job mentally and physically, you get better," he added.

During the course of his career, Gradi has developed a reputation as a coach who advocates a passing game based around talent brought through from the club's youth system.

He has overseen the development of several England internationals including David Platt, Danny Murphy and Dean Ashton.

And Gradi is confident his current side, who sit 10th in League Two, can challenge for promotion this season.

"They're probably not as talented as some of the players we had in the Championship but they are talented and I think the standard has improved through the leagues," he said.

"They're a better quality than the team I first got promotion with in this league and of course there's still room for improvement, I think they will get better."

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