Manager Steve Holland watched his Crewe side safeguard their League One status despite suffering a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Oldham.A Neal Eardley brace and goals from Deane Smalley and Gary McDonald proved crucial for the Latics while Steve Jones was on target for the Alex.

The Railwaymen finished the campaign just two points and one place above the drop zone and, despite being disappointed about the result, Holland is looking forward to a brighter future at Gresty Road.

"It is vitally important that we stayed up, but I am bitterly disappointed by the result," said Holland.

"It is hard to know what to say because I'm flat as a pancake after the way we played. I'm sure that we will all come in on Monday in a more positive frame of mind and start planning on improving for next year.

"Effort isn't our problem, but quality and character is. We need some leaders on the pitch. It is very clear that we are a rudderless ship and we will do something to try and address that."

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