FORMER Motherwell frontman Chris Long is the first new face through the door at Gresty Road.

Long joins Crewe on a two-year deal after coming to the end of his contract north of the border.

The 26-year-old, who started his career in Everton's Academy and made one Europa League appearance for the Toffeemen, had been under the radar of boss Dave Artell as revealed by Nub News two weeks ago.

Long, who netted 17 times in his two years at Fir Park, will bolster Crewe's central striking options alongside Mikael Mandron and Chris Porter, who recently put pen to paper on fresh terms.

The Merseysider, who has represented England at youth level, has played as high as the Championship football during a three-year stint with Burnley and a loan stint with Brentford.