26 Feb 2010Lord Mawhinney praises Crewe Alexandra for developing talent

Football Clubs News | Football Finance News

Football League chairman Lord Brian Mawhinney has spoken approvingly of Crewe Alexandra's famous youth policy.

Having recently criticised clubs for overspending on wages and building up unmanageable debts, the former chairman of the Conservative Party suggested that the League Two side have demonstrated a more sustainable approach to football finance.

Dario Gradi has won acclaim for developing a string of talented footballers on a small budget at the Gresty Road academy, with players such as Danny Murphy, Seth Johnson and Dean Ashton passing through the ranks.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Lord Mawhinney said that clubs like Crewe Alexandra represent "the backbone of professional football".

He added: "They understand how important next year's team is. You can buy, but you can only buy to a certain extent."

Due to step down after seven years in the position next month, Lord Mawhinney recently told the Guardian that football clubs must show more "control and restraint" in their financial affairs.

Written by Terry Mitchell

© Copyright