SUMMER recruit Shaun MacDonald's decision to retire from professional football has been met graciously by most Crewe Alex fans - although some are unhappy with its timing.

The veteran midfielder was a free transfer signing when he penned a two-year deal at the Mornflake Stadium on June 24, but little over two months later his decision to quit the game was announced by the club.

The 33-year-old is the second of Crewe's summer signings to have opted for retirement, following former Aberdeen and Watford defender Tommie Hoban, who is understood to be pursuing a career change.

The reason for MacDonald's decision has not been made public. He last featured in the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Accrington on August 21, although he was on the bench in the Carabao Cup tie at Leeds three days later.

In all the Welshman made four appearances (three starts) for Crewe, but has opted to bring down a lengthy career, which started as a youngster at hometown club Swansea City and stretched over 16 seasons.

The two 'retirements' have forced Alex boss Dave Artell to extend his recruitment to finding replacements with Terell Thomas drafted in after Hoban's exit and now young Celtic midfielder Scott Robertson has joined on loan, making his first start in Tuesday night's Papa John's Trophy success (1-0) at Shrewbury.

Nevertheless, it has been an unsettling period for Crewe with Owen Dale also joining Blackpool on loan this week. Teenage Tottenham winger J'Neil Bennett has been signed on loan until January when Dale's loan at Bloomfield Road could be converted into a permanent deal.

There has been a mixed reaction among fans to MacDonald's departure on social media, although most appear sympathetic.

On Twitter Andy Griffiths stated "No issues really. At least didn't mess about. Had a good career and good reputation which remains intact. Some would have sat back and taken the money and not played. Good luck to the fella!"

But Rob Murray tweeted "I really struggle to understand how we sign two players and then a couple of weeks later they decide to retire. It would be helpful for the club to explain this in more depth".

Peter Robinson posted "Shaun, why sign and then change your mind? I'm not being critical necessarily but I'm sure Crewe fans would like to know".

Mark Birtles tweeted: "Got more respect for him than Owen Dale to be fair".