Davis not on the look-out for a new defender despite Mellor and Ellis leaving

Steve Davis says that he is not tempted to bring in another centre-half this summer even if Harry Davis isn’t available for the start of the new season. With Mark Ellis and Kelvin Mellor leaving the club in the summer there was a worry that Crewe were short on defensive cover, but Davis says he has enough in his squad to cope.

The Alex boss has told the club’s official web-site that the versatility of Jon Guthrie and Oliver Turton and the emergence of young James Baillie would allow us to cover any emergencies in the back four. Crewe can also call on Thierry Audel following his return from a successful loan spell at Lincoln City.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “I feel we have enough defenders to cope, even with Harry out at the moment. We have Duggy and George Ray and Jon Guthrie’s more natural position is at centre-half. He could always slide over if needs be and we could move Matt Tootle back to left-back. Thierry can also play there and did do for Lincoln.

“We are okay at right-back. Toots is here and Ollie started out there under me. We also have young James Baillie who is keen to show what he can do. The pre-season gives all our young players a chance.”