John Sheridan hailed his side's best away performance of the season as they ended the season in style at Crewe.

Deane Smalley, Neal Eardley (2) and Gary McDonald all netted in a 4-1 romp as Latics secured their ninth away League win of the season in comprehensive fashion.

Athletic were four goals up with 21 minutes still to play as 1,200 visiting fans rocked the away end.

Despite Steve Jones' consolation in the closing stages, Crewe were outclassed for long periods and could have shipped further goals.

Sheridan said: "We played very well today.  Football-wise, that was the best performance of the season away from home.

"I know we had good results at Leeds and Everton but we dominated the game today.

"Mark made a couple of good saves after we got the first goal and we took control of the game after that.

"We moved the ball very well and it was an excellent team performance.

"I was disappointed to concede late on, but Neal Eardley got two goals and looked very comfortable in midfield, Gary and Deane both grabbed one and Craig [Davies] played his first game for a long time.

"We wanted to win the game and the attitude was spot on.  We showed today that we are a very good team."

Despite the result, Crewe secured their League One status next season by virtue of Bournemouth's 1-1 draw at Carlisle.

And Sheridan is happy to steve Steve Holland, Dario Gradi and the Railwaymen amongst his opponents for next season.

But he was especially delighted for the travelling supporters, who were treated to a last-day super show.

He said, "I'm pleased Crewe stayed up because I like them as a club and I have a lot of time for Dario Gradi and his coaching staff.

"I'm also delighted for our fans because they gave us great support today and fortunately we gave them something to smile about.

"There were plenty of goals, we could have had more and the fans looked like they were enjoying themselves."

Latics made moves of their own in the League One table, with the three points taking them above Tranmere and into eighth place in the final standings.

"Eighth is an excellent return considering what we've been missing all season," Sheridan added.

"We showed today that the young players are coming on leaps and bounds and that is a massive benefit for this club.

"Now we can hopefully strengthen with four or five new players this summer to give us one or two things and make us a better squad.

"If we can get the right blend we've got a chance next season because we've shown over the last two seasons we can match anyone.

"But the magic word - I've said this so many times and I'll say it for the last time now - is consistency."

Due to circumstances beyond the club's control, we will be unable to bring you the Latics World video version of this interview.