Crewe Alexandra's new interim manager, Alex Morris, is determined to give the fans, players and staff associated with the club a much needed lift - before the season ends.

After a five year tenure, David Artell was relieved of his duties on Monday (April 11), following a dismal season that sees the club rooted to the bottom of League One.

The Railwaymen have lost their past eight matches in the league and at home. The club has also lost 15 out the the last 16 matches.

Morris, 38, has been given the first-team manager role until at least the end of the season. Lee Bell has also been moved up within the ranks to interim assistant manager.

Alex Morris, 38, is determined to put a smile back on the faces of people associated with the club (Crewe Alexandra).

Morris told Crewe Alexandra's website: "We want to give everyone a lift, the players, the staff and the supporters, who I must say have been incredibly patient this season. To be on the run we have been has not been easy, none more so for the Crewe supporters who are the real custodians of the club.

"I have some ideas to lift the place and hopefully we can get that momentum going the other way and into next season. Momentum is massive in football and it works both ways and we have to stop this slide.

"We have to shift it and that starts now. It starts when I address the players and when we go out to train for the first time. I will come at it from a different angle and have a different style and when a change happens at a football club it can be a catalyst for change and improvement.

"I want to hit the ground running and I know I have a great support staff around me. Lee Bell and Kenny Lunt are great coaches and we all bring different skill-sets to the table, so as a trio I know we can get that response from the players."

David Artell cut an emotional figure after Crewe were relegated on Saturday (April 9), following a 2-0 away defeat to 23rd placed Doncaster Rovers.

David Artell was sacked by Crewe Alexandra on Monday (April 11) (Crewe Alexandra).

After Crewe's relegation was confirmed, he said: "It is a sad day for everyone associated with the club and it doesn't matter what I say to the players at the moment.

"It has happened for various reasons, culminating in what has happened today.

"The supporters are entitled to their opinion and that comes with being the manager. I am the one right in the firing line and I understand that. 

"I can only apologise to the fans for the season we have had because it has been a season to forget. Across the board we have not been good enough and I'm top of the tree.

Crewe Alexandra released the following club statement on Monday: "Crewe Alexandra can confirm that the Club is parting company with First Team Manager David Artell.

"The Club would like to thank David for his substantial contribution, both as First Team Manager and in his previous role as Head of Academy. 

"Alex Morris and Lee Bell have been appointed First Team Manager and Assistant Manager respectively, on an interim basis.

"Everybody at Crewe Alexandra would like to wish David every success in the future."

Crewe supporters have witnessed a poor campaign (Ryan Parker).

The new interim management team are urging fans to return to the stadium and give the team support for the last four remaining games.

Crewe Alexandra are at home to fellow struggles AFC Wimbledon this Friday (April 15) at 3pm.

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