Crewe Alexandra Announce 2026 Retained List as They Prepare for Next Campaign

May 25, 2026 — Crewe Alexandra have today published their retained list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 League Two season, in which the Railwaymen finished 11th with 67 points.

The club confirmed that eight players will be released at the end of their current contracts, while seven have been offered new deals. Extensions have also been triggered on several existing agreements as manager Lee Bell looks to build a competitive squad for the 2026/27 season.

Among the positive news is the recent contract extension for Republic of Ireland Under-21 striker Adrien Thibaut, who signed a new two-year deal with the option of a further year earlier this month. Thibaut has impressed since joining the club, becoming a key figure in attack and earning praise for his work rate and finishing ability.

Crewe ended the season with a 0-0 draw against Cambridge United on May 2, securing a mid-table position. While promotion was not achieved, the club showed moments of promise throughout the campaign, particularly in home performances at Mornflake Stadium. Bell’s side will now focus on strengthening the squad during the summer transfer window.

Defender Mickey Demetriou, who has been a consistent performer and club captain, spoke positively about the direction the club is heading. “We’ve got a strong core of players who are committed to the club,” he said. “The retained list gives us a solid foundation, and we’re all looking forward to what we can achieve next season.”

The departures include several academy graduates and senior players whose contracts have expired. The club thanked them for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours. Full details of the retained and released players have been published on the official club website.

Crewe have already begun planning for the upcoming season, with season tickets for 2026/27 having gone on sale earlier this year with prices frozen for existing holders. Fan engagement remains high, and the club is keen to build on the progress made under Bell since his appointment.

With several key players tied down and a clear recruitment strategy in place, optimism is growing around Gresty Road. The club’s renowned academy continues to produce talent, providing both first-team opportunities and potential transfer income in the future.

Lee Bell commented: “It’s been a long season and we’ve learned a lot. Finishing 11th is respectable, but we want to push higher. The retained list is the first step in building a squad capable of challenging for the top seven. We have exciting young players coming through and we’ll look to add the right experience where needed.”

Pre-season preparations are expected to begin in late June, with friendlies already in the early planning stages. Crewe Alexandra will aim to hit the ground running when the 2026/27 League Two campaign kicks off in August.

This summer marks an important period of transition for the Railwaymen as they seek to turn mid-table stability into genuine promotion contention. Supporters will be watching closely to see who arrives and who departs as the transfer window opens.