2025-26 Crewe Alex 2nd Year Scholars - Who gets a deal?

We're back with my annual look at which scholars we're likely to see signed from the upcoming graduating class out of the Crewe Alex academy. Last season I absolutely nailed my predictions when I called that Stan Dancey, Ollie Armstrong, Luca Moore and Jordan Hodkin would be retained, but everyone else from that class would be let go. You can check it out here.

Well, let's have look at the class of 2026 and see if we can get it spot on. Once again as a disclaimer, this isn't me stating what I would do, more what I think the club will do. I've not included Owen Taylor as he already has a deal, but that still leaves 11 others to discuss. Let's get into them:

Goalkeepers

Dominic James - Released

Again, the Alex's track record of bringing through keepers isn't great. And given the fact that they have committed to Tom Booth for next season at least, I don't see them breaking with their usual pattern of not having a 3rd keeper on the books, assuming they don't send Booth out on loan.

We've seen James step up to the U21s on several occasions, but Miki Lenarcik did the same last season and he still departed. I think James will leave the club in the summer.

Defenders

Billy Baker(RB) - Released

The Alex are starved are young talent at full back and Billy, grandson of Alex legend Neil Baker, could come into the system and be one to watch. However, his chances are complicated by what happens to Stan Dancey and Ollie Armstrong, who can both play that position. If they keep Dancey and Armstrong for next season, then I think Baker leaves. If one or both leave, then I think he could sign on. As it stands, I think he'll be on his way.

Isaac Irwin(CB) - Released

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you aren't starting in the FA Youth Cup and you aren't injured, your path to a pro deal is unlikely. The fact that first year scholar Tom Graves has been getting more minutes at CB than Irwin suggests to me he isn't going to get a deal. Things can change, but given the Alex have Phil Croker and also Dancey as young pros in their system who play CB, I think Irwin's path to a deal is slim.

He did go to Newcastle on loan like Baker, but I'm not sure that'll make much difference. I think he's another who'll be on his way.

Francis Leather(CB) - Released

See the above for Leather. I think his path is pretty much blocked. He doesn't feature much for the U21s and only started 1 of the 2 FA Youth Cup games.

Ayden Thorpe(LB) - Released

The left back is one I'm really not sure on. He's been a regular starter for the U18s and U21s, which is a box ticked in his favour. I think they are in need of young cheap depth at the LB spot, but I'm not sure if it'll be him, given 1st year scholar Ryan Chadwick seems to be getting more game time right now.

Midfielders

Iago Scott-Abel(CM) - Signed

Usually if you are nominated to be the captain of the youth team, you get a deal. See Dancey last season. I'm not saying that makes it a slam dunk, but it would be unusual for them to put a player like Scott-Abel in a leadership position and then not sign him.

But looking at the bigger picture of the Alex's midfield and it shows a crowded group for homegrown talent. Owen Lunt is a senior pro, but still only 21. Behind him there is Luca Moore and Ollie Armstrong, if they see the latter as a long term fit at CM. Both have shown flashes of talent in the Vertu Trophy, so could warrant a longer look next season.

Then we have to remember Owen Taylor, a player they gave a pro deal to as a 1st year scholar. That's 4 graduates all in the same spot. Where would Scott-Abel slot in? Is there room? On paper, no. But if they think he's got the ability to go pro, then why wouldn't he get a deal? I'll stick my neck out and say he'll be kept on, especially if Moore(unlikely) or Armstrong(possible) get let go.

Alfie Jones-Mellor(CM) - Released

All the factors mentioned above make me think Jones-Mellor has little path to a deal. I know that sounds harsh and I don't mean it to come across that way, but unless something unexpected happens and several of the names above move on to open up space, then I think there isn't room. So Jones-Mellor will likely be heading on his way.

Attackers

Patrick Mlynarski(WG) - Released

Again, like in central midfield, I think it comes down to there being space. I do think we'll see the release of Fin Roberts this summer, which gives an opening for a young lad like Mlynarski to come through potentially. So he's one that gives me pause.

I'm close to 50-50, but I think the young winger won't get a deal.

Ethan Roberts(WG) - Released

I think this is the 2nd winger named Roberts we'll see released in the summer. He's had a few U21s appearances, but I don't think he's particularly close to the senior squad and I think he'll be departing soon.

Francis Church(ST) - Released

The club are desperate for some promising homegrown talent at centre forward, but I'm not sure if Church is that player. He's scored for the U21s this season back in September, but has struggled to get a look in since, so I think he'll also be on his way.

Ffranc Vaughan-Evans(ST) - Released

The same goes for the man with the Welshest name I've ever seen. Vaughan-Evans was a sub for both the FA Youth Cup games and if you aren't considered a starter in those as a 2nd year scholar, you usually don't get a pro deal I'm afraid.

Conclusion

So, 2 out of the 12(Taylor, Scott-Abel) get taken on. That feels low, but in reality they can't take on 4-5 scholars as pros every season. The path to more of the above getting deals hinges on 2 things I think. 1, do they release any of Dancey, Armstrong, Moore and Hodkin? If they do, then more get taken on I think. And 2, even if those 4 are kept, do the club really move down the 'young homegrown' squad route, release a lot of their older more expensive seniors(Moult, Powell, Thomas, Bogle etc), keep the current 1st year pros and elevate them to bench roles, thereby creating space for more scholars?

Knowing how the club operate, I don't see that being the case. I think the majority of the current graduating class depart. However, whilst this will reignite the "Is the academy value for money" debate, I am quite bullish on the potential of the current 1st year scholars. Ryan Chadwick, Lucas Swann and Tom Graves all look very promising. And of course, moving into the first year scholar group should be Joel Ewusi, who is already playing games against players 1 to 2 years his senior.

I'm fascinated to see which way the club go in the summer, but at this point, don't be surprised if the number of 2nd year scholars turning pro is a small one once the retained list is announced.