Crewe Alexandra to launch independent review into child abuse scandal
A number of former players have revealed their stories of abuse (Picture: PA)

Crewe Alexandra will launch an investigation into the way the football club handled historical child abuse allegations.


In the last week, a number of ex-footballers have explained how, as young boys, they were victims of predatory coach Barry Bennell, who worked for Crewe.


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A statement from the club said: ‘Crewe Alexandra Football Club can today announce that it is to launch an independent review of the way the club dealt with historical child abuse allegations.


‘The club is determined that a thorough investigation takes place at the earliest opportunity and believes an independent review, to be conducted via the appointment of external legal counsel, is the correct way forward in the circumstances.’


Undated file photo of football coach Barry Bennell, as eleven people have come forward to police in the wake of revelations about sexual abuse in football. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday November 24, 2016. Former England and Manchester City star David White became the latest footballer to reveal he was also a victim of child sex abuse, by jailed former coach Bennell. See PA story SPORT Stewart. Photo credit should read: PA Wire
Barry Bennell has been convicted of sexually abusing boys (Picture: PA)
A general view outside of the English soccer team Crewe Alexandra's Alexandra Stadium, in Crewe northern England Friday Nov. 25, 2016. Former soccer players who were subjected to years of sexual abuse by youth team coaches entrusted with their care are breaking cover to expose the English game's dark secrets. The abuses were first uncovered two decades ago with the conviction in the United States of English coach Barry Bennell, who coached at the academy of northern English professional club Crewe Alexandra, which was renowned as a center for turning raw talent into the complete footballer. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)
Crewe is investigating the scandal (Picture: AP)

The scandal emerged after Andy Woodward spoke out about his abuse at the hands of convicted child abuser Bennell.


It prompted other former players to detail their own shocking stories of sexual abuse.


Crewe board members were aware of the allegations, it has emerged, but allowed Bennell to stay on provided he wasn’t left alone with the boys.


Bennell, who abused young boys from the 1970s onwards, has been jailed on three separate occasions for sexual offences against boys.