News in Crewe

DAVE Artell has paid tribute to John Bowler after the passing of the former Crewe Alex chairman.

The Alex announced Mr Bowler's death, aged 85, yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

RIVAL boss John Coleman lent his support to Dave Artell after the Crewe boss came under fire from his own fans after a hefty defeat at Accrington.

Artell stressed the Alex faithful had the right to voice their displeasure after a miserable afternoon in Lancashire in which his side, already trailing to Ross Syke's first-half set-piece header, conceded three times in 14 minutes after the break as they succumbed to a fifth straight loss.

DAVE Artell questioned his players desire to stay up after an abject second-half show helped Plymouth to a comfortable win.

Those in the ranks doubting Crewe's hopes of pulling off a Great Escape clearly won't be featuring much in the next three months. But it would be a brave, and possibly reckless, player that was prepared to put their head on the chopping block of their passionate manager.

EXCITING loan capture Rekeem Harper could prove to be a "real asset" in Crewe's relegation fight.

That's the view of boss Dave Artell, who is expected to hand the 21-year-old midfielder his Alex debut against Plymouth Argyle at the Mornflake Stadium tomorrow night (Tuesday)

THE weather hit the CREWE REGIONAL SUNDAY LEAGUE with five games off due to waterlogged pitches.

But the Premier Division leaders made the most of rivals Betley being in cup action to extend their lead at the top to four points thanks to a 6-3 win over Talbot.

CREWE Alex hope to complete a busy few days by making "one or two" more signings before the transfer window shuts this evening (Monday).

Assistant manager Kenny Lunt says the club are optimistic that they can add to the quartet of deals brokered last week.

CREWE Alex have rounded off a busy afternoon in the transfer window by completing a deal for Oxford United attacker Dan Agyei.

The 24-year-old became the Railwaymen's third signing today (Friday) when he penned an 18-month contract with the Alex paying the Us an undisclosed fee for his services.

A SECOND-HALF revival was not enough for Crewe to avoid a damaging defeat against relegation rivals winning for the first time in 18 games.

A poor showing in the first 45 against a Gillingham side enjoying the inevitable bounce in Neil Harris' first game in charge left Dave Artell's side chasing a point which seemed within their reach, but for some clever game management and resilience from a side who last won back on October 19.

CREWE will be glad of their latest reinforcements when they head for a "must-win" clash at fellow strugglers Gillingham on Tuesday.

An afternoon of perspiration without reward against a Rotherham side vaulting back to the top of the table was always going to be a tough ask.

CREWE Alex have completed a transfer window deal for Fortuna Sittard forward Bassala Sambou.

The 24-year-old arrives at the Mornflake Stadium on an 18-month contract to boost Dave Artell's striking options.