Gradi in charge for festive games

Gradi's team are unbeaten in their last two matches

Crewe Alexandra caretaker manager Dario Gradi expects to be in charge for the team's Christmas fixtures as the search for a new manager continues.

Gudjon Thordarson and John Ward are the two main contenders, but Gradi does not expect an appointment before the visit of sixth-placed Oldham on Boxing Day.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's 99.9 per cent certain I'll be in charge on Boxing Day, and I'm happy to go on.

"If someone's in soon after, they may want to be in charge for Hartlepool."

Gradi has been in charge of the team since Steve Holland was relieved of his duties in the middle of November.

In that time, Crewe have kept two clean sheets and picked up four points in League One, and Gradi says he is enjoying his time back in the hot seat.

"It's fun at the moment, but I can't see it being a long-term thing," he said.