Crewe Alex release three first-team players and offer contracts to four
Crewe Alexandra FC have released three first-team players and offered contracts to four in their 2025 retained list, triggering an extension of a defender and remaining in talks with a winger.
On Wednesday 14 May, Crewe confirmed forwards Chris Long and Kane Hemmings were departing Gresty Road, along with right back Ryan Cooney and young left back Lucas Sant.
Long joined The Railwaymen in 2021 and was named Crewe's Player of the Season in 2021-22, a bright spark in David Artell's relegation campaign.
His Alex career was blighted by injuries however, with the 30-year-old scoring 28 goals across 94 league appearances.
Long split opinion among Alex supporters, with some not forgiving the striker for going down for a penalty without contact from the goalkeeper in Crewe's 2024 playoff final defeat to Crawley Town.
Hemmings spent just 12 months with The Alex, with the 34-year-old netting four times across 20 league appearances, including two penalties.
Foot and calf injuries hampered the striker's availability in the second half of the season, with an option of a further year not triggered.
Cooney joined The Alex from Morecambe in 2023, initially struggling to consistently remain in the side.
At the start of 2024-25, the full back became a regular starter, scoring three times in the league, as well as producing five assists.
Ill-discipline eventually cost the 25-year-old a place in the starting 11, receiving 11 yellow cards, including one red.
Sant signed professional terms with Crewe in 2024, but failed to break into the first team, with the 19-year-old making just one appearance in the Football League Trophy.
New Contracts
Crewe have offered new contracts to vice-captain Zac Williams, 21, fellow academy graduates Tom Booth and Owen Lunt, 20, and graduate defender Charlie Finney, 21.
The club have decided to trigger an extension to Lewis Billington's contract, 21, and remain in talks with winger Shilow Tracey, 27, who suffered a broken leg in March.
A Crewe Alexandra statement read: "We can confirm the 2025 Retained List following the conclusion of the season.
"Four players have been released, while four have been offered new contracts.
"The club have triggered a clause for an extension in defender Lewis Billington's contract, and discussions are ongoing with forward Shilow Tracey.
"We would like to thank all players for their hard work and dedication. To those who will be departing, we wish you all the very best in your future careers."
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