Andy Crosby wants Tranmere to ‘grow and develop’ after securing league status

Interim Tranmere boss Andy Crosby was keen to look forward after his side secured their League Two status for next season with a 2-0 win over Crewe at Prenton Park.

A first-half goal from captain Tom Davies and a late Kristian Dennis strike mean that Rovers are now seven points clear of the drop zone with a game to play.

Crewe finished the match with nine men as Tom Lowery and Zak Williams saw red, while Tranmere’s Regan Hendry was also sent off in stoppage time before jubilant home fans spilled on to the pitch at the end to celebrate survival.

Crosby said: “That game has just been a part of it. We’ve collected 20 points from 12 games which is really consistent form.

“Credit has to go to everyone who has played their part, the players’ application and dedication to the cause has been superb.

“All the staff have been brilliant too, as it has taken every one of us to turn the situation around from where we were, and they all should get the plaudits as it’s down to everyone.

“To collect the points we have over the past 12 games has been reward for really good preparation and performances, and when we’ve had setbacks we’ve bounced back immediately.

“I hope that the supporters celebrate tonight as it’s been a tough ride for them this season, but we got there.

“But ultimately the football club has to grow and develop. We are celebrating being third bottom of League Two, which is a great achievement, but if you want to be a successful club you have to aim your sights higher than that.”

Crewe manager Lee Bell could find few positives from his side’s performance with Alex set to finish mid-table.

He said: “The second-half performance was as bad as it’s been since I’ve been manager of this club.

“They spent most of that second half in our half and we couldn’t get out and we lost the ability to be able to pass the ball to each other.

“That performance was nowhere near the standard we expect and that was as bad as it’s been all season.

“It’s my team and I’m the manager and you want your team to represent your values on the pitch, and in the second half it didn’t look like that.

“I’m not going to quit, that’s not going to happen. I know what we need to do in terms of players coming in.

“We’re going to be losing a hell of a lot of players in the summer, so we’ve got a rebuild to do.

“We’ve got to try and get some consistency in terms of the squad we’ve got, but ultimately what I’ve just witnessed in that second half, along with the fans here, it’s not good enough.”