Lee Bell said Shilow Tracey’s horrendous leg injury stunned Crewe’s players as they went down to a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Fleetwood.
The Railwaymen’s hopes of registering a third straight win were hit by Ryan Graydon’s early finish for the Cod Army and the serious injury to striker Tracey, who needed medical attention on the pitch after he took the full force of a challenge from Danny Mayor.
Crewe boss Bell said: “Shilow is not in a good way and he went to hospital – I’ve spoken to the doctor who says he’ll probably need an operation.
“I’d imagine it affected the players’ performance as it affected me. I’ve never seen anything like that.
“We wanted to try and make Shilow proud with our performance in the second half, but it wasn’t to be and we didn’t do enough.
“But we have got some character in the dressing room and we have got a player we’re going to fight for.
“It’ll be about showing character and fortunately results have been kind to us tonight. There were people shouting behind me about the subs, but some of them have been out for so long that we have to make sure we get it right.
“The players showed something in the second half but we were huffing and puffing and taking too long to get things in the box.”
After Tracey was carried off on a stretcher, Crewe’s limited striking options left youngster Matus Holicek carrying a lone threat up front, while a lack of match fitness meant Chris Long and Omar Bogle were left on the bench until the second half.
But by then the Railwaymen were further behind after Louie Marsh had added a second.
Rhys Bennett and Phoenix Patterson added further goals in the closing stages before Chris Long’s consolation.
Fleetwood boss Pete Wild said: “We wish Shilow Tracey all the best as no-one likes to see that sort of injury in any game. Danny Mayor is devastated that it happened.
“It made it a sombre night and we tried to be respectful. But I was pleased with what was a complete performance – the lads were outstanding.
“Crewe have had some great results and we had to be solid defensively. We tried to trap them and give them something they weren’t expecting.
“Ryan has got 12 goals now and they way we are playing with players around him is freeing him up to be more of a threat.
“We’re unbeaten in three and we’ll keep picking them off and see where it gets us. Being consistent will be the watchword for us.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Conor Gallagher's girlfriend dazzles on red carpet as stars gather in Madrid