First team coach says key will be quality not quantity this summer

First-team coach James Collins says the club’s summer strategy to bring in more ‘quality than quantity’ remains the correct approach. Collins is relishing his opportunity to assist coaching the first-team squad this pre-season and is pleased that six of his former Youth team have been handed professional contracts. They have stepped up into the first-team squad and if they continue to progress will certainly offer competition for places.

James says the coaching staff and chief scout Chris Johnson are working hard trying to bring in the right players and although only goalkeeper Scott Shearer has come in thus far, the club have irons in the fire.

Ahead of our first friendly at Norton, Collins told the club’s official web-site: “The manager and staff are working hard to bring players in and although it has been relatively quiet across the board that work is continuing behind the scenes.

“The key to it is getting the right ones and the club have been more patient this summer. I think that is right. It is easy to go out and sign four or five players but not so easy getting the ones who are better than what you already have.

“If you have get two or three real quality players in who can improve you then that can make the difference between having a successful campaign or not.

“I know the fans want to see new players coming in. So do we and there will be opportunities for the manager to bring some in.

James added: “Saying that as a coach here at Crewe; I like nothing more than to see the younger players running around in training and trying to make an impression. That is what this club is about and their attitude in training has been first class. “