Crewe caretaker boss Dario Gradi has dismissed speculation that former Alex midfielder Robbie Savage could quit Derby and return to Gresty Road as a player-coach.
The Railwaymen are looking for a new manager after Steve Holland was sacked last month following the club's wretched start to their League One campaign.
Savage, who spent three years at Crewe after he was released by Manchester United in 1994, looks likely to leave the Rams in January after falling out of favour at Pride Park this season.
The former Wales international, 34, has made just four appearances for Paul Jewell's side and spent October on loan at Brighton.
Gradi said: "Obviously he has links here having played for Crewe early in his career, but I think that is all a bit tongue in cheek and I can't see it happening.
"I don't think it is a job for someone who hasn't got any experience of management or coaching, and I doubt if the board would consider someone who is inexperienced in that way."
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