Leader Dugdale could provide timely return from loan spell

Steve Davis is hoping that the return of Adam Dugdale will act as a spur to help us get back to winning ways. In the wake of Harry Davis’ knee injury, Dugdale has returned from a successful loan spell at Tranmere Rovers and is in contention to face Notts County at the weekend.

Dugdale has not featured for Crewe Alexandra this season and missed the tail end of last season due to personal reasons, so a short spell at Prenton Park was ideal for providing him with game time. Dugdale played five times for Rovers, helping them collect a point against Stevenage and scoring only his fifth senior goal in a seven-goal thriller against Brentford.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Duggy needed to be playing games again and that was the reason for him going out to Tranmere for a month. We would have allowed it to be increased for a further month but Harry (Davis) was injured on Saturday and George (Ray) is going away soon with the Wales Under-21s.

“I know Duggy enjoyed it at Tranmere. He was back playing football again and he did well for them but I spoke to him on Sunday and he is excited to be coming back and is ready to do a job for us. He is fitter and raring to go and he is certainly one you can rely on. He is a leader.

“He is that warrior type of players and the lads look up to him. He is popular around the place and is one who will stand up to be counted. He is always positive and he may well help us.”