Football Season Guide

David Artell has brought success and stability to Crewe Alexandra but this could be his most challenging season so far. The Railwaymen have been renowned for bringing through talented young players for 30 years now and it is a model that continues to thrive, both on and off the pitch. Having been promoted from League Two via the PPG method in 2019/20, they proved more than a match for their League One opponents last season and took several notable scalps. Artell was nonetheless left frustrated by inconsistent performance which stymied a play-off challenge and the task will be even tougher next season. He has already lost left-back Harry Pickering and midfielder Ryan Wintle this summer; winger Owen Dale has several suitors, whilst midfielder Tom Lowery is refusing to discuss a new deal with only a year left on his current one. He can at least take some consolation in the current crop of talented youngsters and will be pleased to have signed midfielder Callum Ainley up for two more years at Gresty Road. Winger Charlie Kirk will be hoping to improve on an impressive showing last season whilst Luke Offord looks very assured following a breakthrough year at centre-back. Chris Long will look to lead the line following his arrival from Motherwell whilst centre-back Tommy Hoban will be hoping to realise his potential after signing from Aberdeen. More additions will be necessary if they are to achieve their ambitions this season.