Crewe Alex FC's club captain and top scorer for 2023/24 have left the club to join different League Two rivals, after both turned down new contracts.

Luke Offord officially departed Mornflake Stadium on Wednesday 29 May after agreeing a deal to join MK Dons.

The homegrown defender, 24, who joined Crewe 17 years ago at the age of seven, has signed on a free transfer.

Luke Offord officially departed Mornflake Stadium on Wednesday 29 May after agreeing a deal to join MK Dons (Ryan Parker).

Offord made his debut for Crewe in January 2020, quickly helping The Alex to secure promotion to League One that season.

He went on to make 170 appearances, scoring three times and captaining the team for two seasons until his ankle ligament injury this February.

In a statement, Offord said: "Crewe Alex, I just wanted to take this moment to say a huge thank you for having me these past 17 years.

"From joining the club at the age of seven, to then go on and be club captain, has been a massive honour I will never forget.

"Like you, I am gutted at the way the season finished, because the lads, the staff and of course you fans all deserved a play-off final celebration.

"I would like to wish everyone at the club the very best for the future.

Elliot Nevitt, who was Lee Bell's first signing for Crewe, has joined Gillingham on a free transfer (Crewe Alex).

"And lastly, but by no means least, you the Crewe Alex fans, for your amazing support throughout my time with the club, thank you."

Offord leaves Crewe, just five days after striker, Elliot Nevitt joined Gillingham on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old, who became Lee Bell's first signing as manager in January 2022, top scored for Crewe this season, netting 18 times.

In a statement, Nevitt said: "Alex fans, I just want to say thank you for the support you have given me since I arrived at Crewe, i will never forget it.

"This season has been special and it was hard to end it with losing at Wembley, but what a season we have had.

"I want to say thanks to the gaffer [Bell] and his staff for believing in me and the players.

Crewe Alex manager, Lee Bell, awaits contract decisions from Rio Adebisi and Courtney Baker-Richardson (Crewe Alex).

"I want to wish them all the very best for next season because they deserve it and so do you as fans."

In positive news, forward, Christopher Long, signed a new one-year deal with Crewe this week.

The club await contract decisions from Rio Adebisi and Courtney Baker-Richardson.

READ MORE: Pensioner in hospital with 'serious injuries' following collision by Crewe retail park.

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