Former Vale stopper could be in the squad to face his former club

The former Port Vale goalkeeper Joe Anyon could be named on the Crewe Alexandra bench for the first time tomorrow at Vale Park. Anyon, 28, is on non-contract terms with the Alex as he attempts to win himself an extended deal, but in the meantime he is offering cover and competition to first choice Ben Garratt.

Anyon made 118 first team appearances for the Valiants after progressing through the Youth ranks at Vale Park before he eventually moved on to Lincoln City in the summer of 2010.

Anyon has been working hard on his fitness with the club’s new coaching coach Fred Barber and manager Steve Davis has to decide whether he is quite fit enough to go on the bench as possible cover for Garratt.

Steve explained to the club’s official web-site: “Joe has not played for a number of months now and he isn’t 100%, but he is getting fitter by working with Fred. He is getting there and he could go on the bench.

“It is a shame he didn’t get the opportunity to play in the Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night as that would have allowed us to have a proper look at him and provide him with some game time. I will make a decision as going without a goalkeeper on the bench is not ideal.”