In-form defender Patrick Ada has told the club's official web-site that he needed a 'kick up the backside' from experienced manager Dario Gradi to re-launch his Alex career.
The former Histon man looked to be on the way out of the club in January after growing frustrated that he couldn't cement a place in the manager's starting XI. He had a chance to move out on loan but wanted to remain in the Football League and fight for his place at Crewe. That determination and hard work paid off with Ada finishing the season strongly and in the team alongside former captain John Brayford.
Ada says Dario has taught him the basics and reshaped his career after years in the non-league scene.
Pat told the club's official web-site: "It really was make-or-break for me here at Crewe. I am 25 now and I want to play in the league. I needed that kick up the backside to change my game and go back to basics and Dario helped me to do that.
"I am learning all the time because I never had the chance to come through an Academy when I was younger and develop under someone like Dario.
"I could have gone out on loan in January, but I wanted to stay and fight for my place here. I am just grateful that the club gave me another chance to show what I could do.
"Now I want to repay them with clean-sheets and points. I always had belief in my ability and now we start the season on zero points, so we have to believe we can do it, get the fans behind us and got for it."
