Boss says he aims to keep Ben at the Football Club

David Artell remains hopeful that his number one goalkeeper Ben Garratt will sign a new contract at the club. The new Crewe Alexandra manager says he has held encouraging talks with the young goalkeeper and he hopes that the Shrewsbury-born stopper will elect to remain at Gresty Road and develop his career further.

The former England Youth International is out of contract this summer, but due to his age, the club would receive training compensation but Artell is aiming to convince the 22-year-old to stay. Despite his tender years as a goalkeeper, Garratt has now amassed over 144 first team appearances for Crewe.

David told the club’s official web-site: “Ben knows he has made a few mistakes. The one against Luton was a technical error and he knows it shouldn’t happen, but everyone make mistakes. He is a really conscientious and bright lad. He is a good professional and has a strong mind-set.

“He is a good goalkeeper and has plenty of time on his hands. We want him to stay here and develop here. I’ve spoken to him and will do again. It has been encouraging and he knows what we can offer him in terms of playing regularly.

“He could go someone else for a few hundred more a week or whatever but may not play every week. I know Ben knows it is still early in his career and that he wants to play.”