Davis confident that others will step up to the plate after forwards move on

Manager Steve Davis wants other players in his squad to step up to the mark when it comes to scoring goals this coming season.

Last season’s leading scorer Chuks Aneke has elected to move to Belgium following his release from Arsenal and the likes of Byron Moore and AJ Leitch-Smith have moved on this summer for fresh challenges.

Uche Ikpeazu, 19, who scored four goals in 10 starts has also returned to his parent club Watford after helping us escape relegation on the final day of the season.

His quest for reinforcements will be further enhanced if Max Clayton elects to move on this summer. Davis has earmarked a new centre forward this summer, but that looks more likely to be a loan deal rather than on a permanent basis.

The Alex boss is looking for more goals from the likes of Mathias Pogba, Brad Inman, Ryan Colclough and Vadaine Oliver to name but a few.

Steve told crewealex.net: “We have seen a few forwards move on this summer, but that only give others here a chance to show that they can replace the goals we will need. A striker remains a top priority and we are working hard on that.

“Last season we lost Pogs for half of the season. The season before, he showed that he could do it at this level and scored 16 goals.

“Having a full pre-season behind him will do him good. He is sure to have a much better season if he can afford injury.

“Vadaine has had a year to find his feet, so we expect him to be better and more clinical.

“Ryan has virtually missed a year of football but he was showing potential as a match winner before he got injured.

He added: “Brad can score more goals, he knows that, so we do have some attacking options and it is up to them to step up to the plate.”