EX-ENGLAND international Danny Murphy has admitted he was ‘not shocked’ by the scandal involving paedophile coach Barry Bennell.
The crimes have been brought into the public conscience after former Crewe player Andy Woodward waived his right to anonymity.
Since Woodward’s interview with the Guardian, David White and Steve Walters have revealed they were sexually abused by Bennell.
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Murphy – who began his career under the 62-year-old at Crewe – revealed he had heard rumours about the coach while at the club.
He told The Times: “Probably the saddest thing is that I’m not shocked by what has come out.
“I think we always suspected there was lots that had not been said.
“He was a really good coach, good sessions. There’s no doubt he was charismatic, had the chat.
“And he had the skills, a decent footballer, which is always going to impress kids coming through.
“People say, ‘Was it common knowledge?’ but that’s hard to say when you are 13, 14.
“There were little whispers, but when you are young you are just so preoccupied with your own career. You don’t take it seriously.”
The role of former Crewe manager Dario Gradi has been questioned – although no allegations have been made against him.
And Murphy is adamant Italian always acted appropriately.
He added: “In my experience, Dario went out of way to behave above board. He would knock on the door to get you up, wouldn’t come in.
“You would get stick from the older lads — ‘it’s Dario’s boys’ — but I can only speak from my own experiences and, hand on heart, I would be amazed if he knew something about it.
“He seemed to me very aware of his responsibilities to us. I never felt uncomfortable.”
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Gradi released a statement expressing his sympathy to the victims this afternoon.
He said: “I would like to express sympathy to the victims of Barry Bennell not only at Crewe Alexandra, but at other clubs in the North West.
“The first I knew of Barry Bennell’s crimes was when he arrived in the United States in 1994.
“I knew nothing of his crimes before this time when he was employed by us. No-one at the Football Club knew of Bennell’s crimes until his arrest in 1994 and his subsequent prosecution in the United Kingdom.
“The Football Club also co-operated fully with the authorities in 2003.
“The Club are in the process of a review and I won’t be making any further comment until that is finalised.”
INTERNATIONALS TO COME THROUGH CREWE ACADEMY
David Platt (England, 62 caps)
Neil Lennon (Northern Ireland, 40 caps)
Robbie Savage (Wales, 39 caps)
Danny Murphy (England, nine caps)
Geoff Thomas (England, nine caps)
Rob Jones (England, eight caps)
Dean Ashton (England, one cap)
Seth Johnson (England, one cap)
David Vaughan (Wales, 28 caps)
Bennell was jailed for nine years in 1998 for sexual offences against children. He was a scout for and coach at Crewe in the 1980s and 90s.
Described as having an “almost an insatiable appetite” for young boys by US authorities, admitted 23 specimen charges of sexual offences against six boys between the ages of nine and 15.
A hotline set up after the scandal emerged has already received more than 50 calls just two hours after opening.
The hotline – which is supported by the FA – will be available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.
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