Next Crewe Manager Odds: Early contenders to succeed David Artell

Crewe have parted ways with long-time manager David Artell in the aftermath of the club’s relegation back down to League Two.

Appointed in 2017, on a shoestring budget Artell galvanised The Railwaymen whom he led to promotion up to League One (2020), where he achieved an impressive top-half finish last term: just eight points off the top-6. 

Artell oversaw the development of an array of young academy talents - Harry Pickering, Perry Ng, Charlie Kirk to name a few - but hindered by the departure of multiple key players, poor recruitment and damaging injuries, Crewe have really struggled this season with their demotion confirmed over the weekend following a 2-0 defeat at Doncaster; their 15th defeat in 16 games.

"I can only apologise to the fans for the season we've had, it's been a season to forget for lots of reasons and it culminates in this afternoon,” Artell said after Crewe’s fate was sealed.

“I've learnt more in this last 12 months than I had in the previous four-and-a-half years without a shadow of a doubt.”

Many expected Artell to remain in charge and orchestrate a re-build next season but on Monday Crewe revealed that the 41-year-old had left the club after over five years in charge. At the time of his exit Artell was the fifth longest-serving manager in the EFL behind  Simon Weaver (Harrogate), Gareth Ainsworth (Wycombe), John Coleman (Accrington Stanley), and Paul Warne (Rotherham).

Alex Morris - assisted by Lee Bell - has been appointed interim manager and is highly likely to stay in charge for the club’s remaining four games of the season against AFC Wimbledon (22nd), Sheffield Wednesday (5th), Ipswich (9th), and Lincoln (18th).

Rock-bottom Crewe may be relegated but Morris will be tasked with ending the horrific eight-game losing run and restoring a slither of pride following an extremely tough season that has so far produced only six wins from 42 matches.

It will be interesting to see whether Crewe now appoint from within or recruit a manager externally. They may have time to digest this season and plan for the next, but it’s crucial they get this next appointment spot on.

It’s Morris, Crewe’s academy boss, who has also emerged as the early 6/4 favourite to become the permanent Crewe manager, courtesy of BetVictor.

If it’s the experienced route that Crewe opt to venture down then there are plenty of managers seeking their next opportunity in the dugout. 

There’s veteran EFL boss and two-time League Two promotion winner Paul Tisdale in the running at 8/1, former Bristol City and Sunderland boss Lee Johnson is priced at 12/1, ahead of ex-Saint Nigel Adkins (14/1) and Paul Lambert (16/1).

The likes of Kenny Jackett, Keith Curle, and Simon Grayson can also be found in the Job Centre.

However, there’s every chance Crewe could look to bring in a fresh, young, hungry manager such as Man Utd academy coach Justin Cochrane or MK Dons coach David Wright, both of whom played for Crewe (each 12/1 with BetVictor). 

Jonathan Woodgate (14/1) has two jobs on his CV from spells at Championship sides Middlesbrough and Bournemouth, Halifax boss Pete Wild has featured in a number of League Two manager markets this season, as has Boreham Wood’s Luke Garrard. Daryl McMahon (Dag & Red) could be another option from non-league, as could Altrincham's Phil Parkinson, and former Crewe player Richard Walker.

We’re still waiting for Michael Carrick’s first permanent job, although the former Man Utd caretaker could well be out of reach, whereas Everton have just revealed that David Unsworth is set to leave the club in order to pursue his ambition of becoming a manager…make of that what you will.

Full odds can be found below, while you can see the results of our next manager poll right here.