Bakes praises striker's work ethic as he returns fitter and trimmer

Neil Baker says that the club have not closed the door on a possible return for the former Wigan and Watford striker Nathan Ellington. The 31-year-old Ellington made eight appearances for Crewe last season, which included two starts against MK Dons and Crawley.

Although the Bradford-born forward failed to register a goal on his comeback into football, his experience certainly helped in the dressing room as Crewe finished mid-table and were victorious at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Ellington has been invited to join in with pre-season training and has certainly worked hard to free himself of his excess weight. He is looking trim and is determined to give it his best shot to earn himself a new deal.

Baker has proclaimed that a ‘fully fit Nathan Ellington, could be the answer”. The club’s assistant manager told the club’s official web-site: “It was left open to Nathan at the end of the season that he was free to train with us for pre-season.

“The opportunity was there for him and he has certainly worked hard on getting the weight off. He has been in to the training ground and he is looks far trimmer and fitter.

“He knew he was carrying too much weight last season and was playing catch up with his fitness but he has made that change. So who knows, a fit Nathan Ellington could be the answer we are looking for because we know he has quality.”