Alex boss on Army Camp trip

Steve Davis has taken his entire squad for the trip to the army base down south, with the exception of goalkeeper Steve Phillips. The club's newly appointed goalkeeping coach and current number one has a knee injury and is awaiting the results of a scan. It is hoped that the former Bristol Rovers stopper will be fit to participate in the first games of the season. If not Alan Martin will deputise.

The Alex boss fielded a strong squad for the game against Bashley on Tuesday night, but his side were up early the following morning as they continued their high intensity training ahead of the new campaign.

Steve Davis told crewealex.net: "We had a tough game against Bashley on Tuesday night, but we were up early the following morning for a session with a drill sergeant.

"The soldiers are very disciplined in their lives and maybe some of that will rub of on the players both on and off the pitch. I think it will be a real eye-opener for some of them and they will learn different.

“I have tried to keep the squad together as much as possible and the army base has all the necessary facilities so Rob (Sharp) can continue his rehab work with the injured players.

"There is a pool, a gym and training pitches, so everything is here for us. I want the players to see a different environment and mix with the soldiers and share their stories.”