Sign up to FREE email alerts from crewechronicle - weekly Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Adam Dugdale is poised to leave Crewe Alex and join Tranmere Rovers on an 18-month deal.

The defender will have the last few months of his contract at Gresty Road cancelled by mutual consent and he will link up with Micky Adams's struggling League Two outfit.

The 27-year-old has made more than 20 appearances for the Railwaymen this season, but was one of six senior centre halves at the club.

Manager Steve Davis said: "Duggy is going to Tranmere, we were not in the position to offer him anything (contract) like that and he has a family to think about.

"He thought long and hard about it but when you make a decision for your family it is the right decision, and I think that's what he's done.

"He's been a great servant, he's sad to leave and he'll be missed because of the way he is around the place, as well as his performances and what he gives the football club. We wish him well."

Dugdale is a player close to the hearts of many supporters. After progressing through the academy ranks, he was released as a teenager but battled his way back through non-league to be re-signed by Dario Gradi in 2010.

A player who regularly came up trumps on the big occasions, he scored in the League Two Play-Off semi-final first leg against Southend in 2012 and went on to help the team secure promotion at Wembley.

The following year, he played a big role in Crewe's Johnstone's Paint Trophy triumph but missed out on a second appearance in the final at the national stadium because of the tragic death of his baby son Jude.

That day, Alex fans held an emotional minute's applause in support of him and his family.

Last year, after a spell out of the team and a month's loan at Prenton Park, he returned to the line-up for the run-in and scored in the crucial final game of the 2013-14 campaign against Preston to help the Alex beat the drop.

He started the current campaign in the Alex side but recently lost his place due to injury.