FORMER Accrington and Shrewsbury defender Omar Beckles has become Crewe Alex's second incoming of a busy Friday with the 28-year-old penning a deal of up to two years at Gresty Road.

Beckles' arrival reinforces a backline which saw the impressive addition of Donervan Daniels to it last week, with Eddie Nolan, Olly Lancashire and youngster Luke Offord also vying for centre-half spots.

The versatile Beckles - who has signed a one-year contract with an option for an additional year - played more games in a left-wing back/left-back role with Salop and has an attacking side to complement his robust defensive virtues.

He turned down the offer of a new contract from Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts and chose to leave the Greenhous Meadow this summer. Dave Artell has been tracking his availability and can add him to the ranks ahead of tomorrow's Caraboa Cup tie with Lincoln City.

Beckles joined Shrewsbury three years ago after a one-season stint at Accrington (2016/17), making in all 80 appearances for the Shropshire club and scoring six times. His career started with a spell with Spanish Andulasian side Jerez via the Glen Hoddle Academy before he ploughed a non-league career with southern-based sides, ending with a season at Aldershot in the National League in 2015/16.

The Leytonstone-born footballer has also earned international honours with a call-up to the Grenada national side alongside former Shrewsbury team mate Aaron Pierre.

It has proved a frantic afternoon with pen and paper at Gresty Road with left-back Harry Pickering, 21, signing an improved three-year deal.