Dario Gradi first took charge of Crewe Alexandra in the summer of 1983

Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi says a real unity is developing among his young squad which will stand them in good stead as the season progresses.

Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by high-riding Rotherham United saw Gradi's Alex slip back to 11th in League Two, three points adrift of the play-offs.

But the average age of the Crewe squad was a mere 22.7 years as Gradi once again puts his faith in youth.

And the veteran coach knows that team spirit can help the youngsters improve.

"They'll get better," said 69-year-old Gradi, now into his 28th season at Gresty Road. "That's why we're signing the young players.

"They're a good bunch of lads who get on well together and work for each other.

"They keep going for themselves and the team, that's in-bred now," Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke.

Crewe, who drew a blank in front of goal for the first time in 16 games, now hope to bounce back quickly when they travel to struggling Morecambe on Tuesday night.

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