Steve Davis says sex abuse claims not the reason for Crewe’s form

(Picture: Action Images)

Crewe boss Steve Davis has said the club’s involvement in the sex abuse scandal is not an excuse for his side’s poor form on the pitch.

The Railwaymen have slumped to tenth in League Two, and Saturday’s 4-0 hammering at Colchester means the team have won just twice in their last 15 matches.

However, despite the fact ex-Crewe coach Barry Bennell has been named by various ex-footballers who allege they were abused as children, Davis says the scandal has nothing to do with Crewe’s weekend loss.

“The players are obviously aware of it, but that wasn’t part of it. It was just a bad performance. Nothing to do with what’s going on,” said Davis.

“From the players’ point of view, there was no reason.

“The cameras are around the place. They’ll have read the stories, they’ll have read the things that have come out – they’ll have their own views and opinions.”

The allegations first emerged on November 16th, when Andy Woodward revealed he was abused by Bennell at Crewe between the ages of 11 and 15, and have since developed further with 20 former players also coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse in football.

The scandal has badly shaken the sport, with Crewe amongst several clubs investigating claims, while the FA are also conducting an internal review and five police forces have launched enquiries.

Davis said: “I’ve spoken to the players about it and filled them in with some of the details

“It’s just a case of trying to focus them on what’s going on on the pitch, as opposed to off it.

“With the independent inquiry, I can’t say a lot at the moment. That needs to take its course and everything needs flushing out.

“We need to be transparent and open and honest in what we do and be helpful.”