Connor O'Riordan has signed a new three-year deal with Crewe Alexandra - following his impressive performances at first-team level last season.

The 18-year-old centre back penned the new contract with The Alex yesterday (June 9).

Born in Crewe, O'Riordan came through the club's renowned Academy system after being spotted playing at Crewe Alexandra Soccer Centre in Shavington at an early age.

The youngster was a pupil at Shavington High School and was called up to represent Republic of Ireland's under-20s this year.

Connor O'Riordan was first spotted by Crewe Alexandra at the Alex Soccer Centre, Shavington (Crewe Alex).

O'Riordan made 13 appearances in all competitions for the Railwaymen last season - he was a second year scholar at the time.

The 6'4" defender impressed Alex supporters with a number of assured performances and was rewarded with the club's Scholar-of-the-Year award at the end of the campaign.

O'Riordan has had short loan spells at Nantwich Town and Kidsgrove Athletic - enhancing his competitive experience and understanding of men's football.

Today (June 10), Assistant Manager Lee Bell told Crewe Alexandra's website: "Connor has signed a new professional contact and that is a reward for the progress he made last season.

Assistant Manager Lee Bell believes Connor O'Riordan's contract is a reward for his development (Crewe Alex).

"He came into the team in difficult circumstances last season and showed that he could handle it.

"We believed he would go in and handle it and as a second year scholar coming into that situation and what he had to face at that level will only have benefitted him. It is the same with Zac (Williams)."

Last month, Williams also signed a contract contract with Crewe Alexandra.

The 18-year-old penned a two-year deal after claiming the club's breakthrough player-of-the-year award in his debut season.

Zac Williams signed a new two-year contract with Crewe Alexandra in May (Crewe Alex).

Williams is a centre-back like O'Riordan, but also showed he versatility being able to perform well as a full-back.

Bell added: "As defenders they were asked to do a lot of defending last season against very good players and they showed they could cope with the level.

"It showed a lot about their characters.

"Connor showed that he is also good on the ball and was calm. It also shows that a local lad, who lives close to the stadium, can come all the way through and make it as a professional footballer.

"It is nice to see that the pathway is there for local lads and what an example that is for other youngsters in our Academy. "

So far, the new management team of Alex Morris and Lee Bell have managed to make three new additions to the squad.

Crewe Alexandra kick off their League Two season on July 30 (Ryan Parker).

Defensive midfielder, Conor Thomas, right-back Kelvin Mellor and forward Courtney Baker-Richardson have all signed for The Railwaymen before pre-season officially commences.

Crewe Alexandra kick off their season back in League Two on July 30.

READ MORE: Popular British fashion and homeware retailer to open on Crewe retail park.

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