by Michael Baggaley

CREWE captain Julien Baudet has warned his team-mates that the sacking of Steve Holland doesn't mean they can start with a clean slate with supporters.

Holland's final games were littered with protests from fans demanding the board end his 18 months in charge.

Holland was axed on Tuesday and technical director Dario Gradi installed as caretaker manager.

But Baudet says the players cannot expect to escape the wrath of fans unless they reverse a dreadful run of form which has left the club rooted to the foot of League One.

He explained: "The only way the atmosphere will change is if we win games. It doesn't matter if the manager is Dario Gradi or anyone else. If we keep losing, the fans won't be happy and will let us know.

"They are entitled to their opinion. It is up to us to get our heads down and get it right on the pitch."

Baudet says unrest in the crowd has affected some players.

He said: "We have a young squad and, for some, it has been the first time they have been booed for the major part of the game.

"It is the supporters' right. They let us know if they are not happy, but we are not happy either."

But Baudet was sorry to see Holland go. He explained: "As a player, I feel responsible for what has happened to him. A manager is only as good as his players and, if we don't deliver, then I am afraid it is the manager who goes first.

"It is not for me to say whether he got enough time, but I feel terrible for him because he worked really hard. I am not sure he could have done much more."

Gradi takes charge for Saturday's home game with Stockport while the club consider a long-term appointment. Former Alex favourite Craig Hignett, now a coach with Middlesbrough's Academy, could emerge as a managerial candidate.

Former Crewe skipper Neil Cox said he would be interested in the job if approached, but played down his chances. Cox, who was linked with the Port Vale manager's job a year ago, said: "I would be willing to listen, but I would think they might have something else sorted."