John Bowler has been chairman of Crewe Alexandra for 23 years

Crewe chairman John Bowler has told supporters that winning promotion from League Two is an "immediate priority".

The Alex, who were relegated to the bottom tier of the Football League in May 2009, are on the fringes of the play-offs with eight matches to play.

"I think what our supporters look for is the fact that we're continuing to progress," Bowler told BBC Radio Stoke.

"To progress, we've got to get back into League One so that's the immediate and highest priority that we've got."

Bowler was speaking during a visit from Football League chairman Greg Clarke.

Crewe have been consistently praised for their philosophy of producing young talent, with manager Dario Gradi receiving a special prize at the annual Football League awards in London for his contribution to the game.

Clarke told BBC Radio Stoke: "I am very old fashioned about youth development. I believe it is the cornerstone of what the Football League stands for.

"Youth development is now key for the football business model. It is key for clubs like Crewe and it is key to developing players for the England national team.

"Right now I can't think of anything more important."

The Alex have sold the likes of Dean Ashton, Rob Hulse, Nicky Maynard and Luke Varney for in excess of £1m, but Bowler concedes Crewe can no longer expect to receive such sizeable fees for their young talent.

"If you're going through a recessionary time, perhaps there's not as much money available as there used to be for transfer fees," said the Crewe chairman. "That's our bread-and-butter and what we're all about."

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