Dario Gradi: Crewe director of football to appeal against FA suspension

Crewe director of football Dario Gradi is to appeal against his Football Association suspension from working in the game.

The 75-year-old was suspended on 25 November pending an FA review into widespread child sex abuse allegations.

Solicitors for Gradi are believed to have gathered character references from players, coaches and executives he has worked with over his long career.

It is not clear is whether the suspension solely relates to reports that while a coach at Chelsea in the 1970s he visited the house of a 15-year-old youth-team player to "smooth over" a complaint of sexual assault by the club's chief scout, Eddie Heath, or to events while working for Crewe.

Gradi has told friends he is determined to clear his name and has been left frustrated by the FA's actions, believing his career has been left in limbo.

Dario Gradi said "As I have previously stated, aside from denying any wrong doing it would be inappropriate and unfair on all parties to comment through the media at this time in connection with any allegations."

Solicitors for Mr Gradi did not respond to enquiries.