Jack Powell will be an attacking and creative force in the Crewe Alexandra midfield during 2023-24.

That’s according to boss Lee Bell, who has expressed his delight at the capture of his main summer transfer target.

Powell, who has joined on a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, is a dead-ball specialist who had nine goal involvements for Crawley last term.

Bell said: “The aim will be to get him as close to the opposition goal as possible.

“Jack is a ‘Crewe player’ who likes to get on the ball and create, and he’s got an eye for goal. He’s good with set-plays and is strong out of possession – he ticks a lot of boxes for us.  

“Jack is someone we identified really early and he was the first player we spoke to. It’s obviously a big commitment for him to bring his whole family up here from Essex, and we are delighted to have him here.

“He’s a fantastic character, a good professional and I think we’ve done really well to get him. He had plenty of interest from other clubs.

“He has ambition and wants to progress again. In terms of what he adds to the group we couldn’t ask for much more.”

Former Millwall, Ebbsfleet, and Maidstone man Powell, 29, is expected to be part Crewe’s first pre-season friendly at Halesowen Town on Saturday (3pm).