All the ins and outs of summer 2016
Crewe Alexandra Manager Steve Davis highlighted the need for experienced heads in and around his team at the start of the summer, and he's delivered, adding seasoned pros to his young squad.With the transfer window set to close at 11pm tonight (Weds 31st Aug), it's time to recap on all the summer 2016 transfer activity at Gresty Road.
INS
SIX have com through the door at The Alexandra Stadium this summer, four on a permanent basis and two under the loan system. In contrast to previous seasons, fans were treated to an early signing with Ryan Lowe confirming his allegiance in May.
The experienced 37-year-old striker with over 200 career goals to his name was later made Club Captain, and he was joined through the door a month later by left-back Zoumana Bakayogo who signed full-contract terms after spending the second part of 2015/16 at the Club on a non-contract basis.
July saw three signings in three weeks. Fans were thrilled as Lowe was joined up-front by another experienced hitman in the form of Chris Dagnall, a player with another proven track record in the EFL. Liam Smith also joined on loan from Newcastle United to add competition into the midfield places, before another loanee in Chelsea's Alex Kiwomya joined until January to add place to the flanks.
Right from the off Steve Davis had made it clear he wanted an experienced holding midfielder to add to his squad, and he eventually got his man in mid-August with former Bournemouth & Portsmouth man Danny Hollands agreeing a short term contract until January.
OUTS
There were many to leave the Club following the 2015/16 relegation campaign, with a blend of senior figures and untested first year pros released.
Brad Inman was in discussions over a new deal following an impressive personal season, but he opted to end his three-year association with the Club for a new challenge at Peterborough.
Forwards Marcus Haber and Lauri Dalla Valle were both released along with midfielders David Fox and Chris Atkinson.
Academy product James Baillie was also let go after a disappointing season. Despite showing positive signs in 2014/15, he failed to build on that and subsequently fell down the pecking order.
There were also several untried academy youngsters who failed to be offered fresh terms, some making only fleeting appearances in the first team set-up. Liam O'Neill, Fraser Murdoch, Joe Kearns, Joe Howell, Toby Mullarkey and Andre Brown players released.
All the 'First Look' interviews from our new signings are available to watch exclusively on the new look Player HD - Click here to join for just £37.99 for a full year and you'll receive a free Club membership or £10 club shop voucher when you join!*
Below, Chris Dagnall gives his 'First Look' interview after joining the Club