by Gwyn Griffiths

CREWE Alexandra began the post Steve Holland era today by admitting they had no-one in the frame to replace their axed first-team coach.

The decision to remove Holland was taken at a board meeting yesterday afternoon, just a few hours after he had taken his last training session.

The club directors have made Crewe's 67-year-old former boss Dario Gradi interim manager in the hope he can help steer the strugglers away from the foot of the League One table.

But Alex chairman John Bowler said he had no immediate replacements lined up for the 38-year-old, who paid the price for a dismal run in which his team won just twice in their opening 16 league games.

He explained: "We are in discussions with Steve about his future role at the club.

"We had a board meeting on Tuesday, when the decision to make Dario caretaker was taken.

"There is nobody in mind to take over, but caretaker is, as it suggests, just that. We will be looking for another first-team manager."

Gradi assumed the position of technical director in the summer of 2007 as part of a management reshuffle which saw former Academy director Holland promoted to head the first team.

Holland's involvement in the club's youth system stretches back to 1990 and it was hoped his senior appointment would maintain the long-term stability associated with Gradi's 24-year reign at Crewe.

But instead he became the first managerial casualty at Gresty Road since the club parted company with Peter Morris in the summer of 1983.

Holland was unavailable for comment today, but just a few hours before the axe fell on his 16-month reign he had signalled his determination to carry on.

He said: "The easiest thing would be to hold up the white flag and quit, but I am really determined to turn this around.

"I understand how football works, and I appreciate the fact the board have put faith in me.

"That would not be the case at the majority of clubs, but that does not mean they are right."

Alex players were shocked at the speed of Holland's departure. Striker Tom Pope said: "A friend of the family rang up to say it had been on Sky Sports that he had gone. I said "You've got to be wrong because he took us for training today".

"I can't believe it. Steve's one of the nicest blokes I've met and it is down to the players that we've not been able to help him out."

Former Crewe players Craig Hignett and Neil Lennon could be possible managerial candidates if and when Gradi later steps aside again.

Alex supporters' group, Crewe ASi, said his return must only be on a temporary basis.

"We sincerely hope Dario's appointment as caretaker will see an immediate improvement in results as the club seeks, in the short term, to avoid relegation to League Two and, in the longer term, to appoint Steve's permanent replacement to lead the club back to the Championship," said spokesman Marco Criscuolo.

Gradi will take charge of Crewe for the first time in 18 months when Stockport County visit the Alexandra Stadium on Saturday.