He joined Crewe Alexandra at the end of July 2007. He featured 23 times for Steve Holland's "Railwaymen" in 2007–08, and signed a two-year contract at the end of the season. However, he played just seven times for new boss Guðjón Þórðarson, and agreed to have his contract terminated in May 2009. Abbey underwent a trial at Tranmere Rovers, playing in pre-season friendlies against Cammell Laird, Preston North End and Liverpool. However, due to Rovers financial difficulties, they were unable to offer Abbey a permanent contract.