Adam Dudgale has told the club's official web-site that dropping into the non-league scene following his release from Crewe in 2007 has made him even more determined to grab his second chance with both hands. The 22-year-old defender has landed himself a 6-month contract after impressing enough on trial and the Liverpool-born defender is determined to force his way into Dario Gradi's first-team plans.

Dugdale told Crewe Alex Player: "It is a great opportunity for me and I am just grateful for the chance. I just want to get my head down now, work hard and do well enough to get into the team and earn myself more time.

"I spoke to Dario in the summer because I have gone from here and think I've improved as a player. I am confident in my own ability and that is why I rang Dario in the first place. I just wanted him to have a look at me to see if I had a chance of getting back into the league again.

"It is just great to be training full-time again and giving myself a chance to show that I have improved. My first objective is to work hard and become fitter and stronger. I am doing extra work with the physio's and Andy Franks and I'm enjoying it. It really is a great club and I suppose I didn't realise how great it was until I left.

"There is a great competition for places here with Patrick (Ada), Mitch (Mitchel-King), David Artell and young Harry Davis all battling it our for the centre-half positions.

Adam added: "I am looking forward to it because there is some great talent in this squad and we have a good chance of doing something. The young talent here is top class and we have done well in pre-season, so hopefully we can take that into the league when it starts."

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