Boss says captain's influence around the place has been excellent

Steve Davis has praised the contribution of his captain Matt Tootle, as the club battle to starve off relegation. Academy graduate Tootle has recently surpassed 200 appearances for the club and has been handed the captain’s armband as Abdul Osman has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up of late and then injury. 

Davis says that his consistent defender has really grown into the responsible role and it has helped his performances this season as well.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official web-site: “Matt has been a big influence around the club this season. I didn’t see that real leadership quality in his make-up before but he has taken on the responsibility much in the same way Luke (Murphy) and Westy (Ash Westwood) did before him.

“Toots has been an excellent captain and around the dressing room. He always wants to do well and improve and has had always had a great attitude towards his football and becoming better.

“He is thinking about the team a lot more now and has proved to be a really good leader for us.”