Neil Baker reveals Club after goalkeeping player coach to replace Steve

Neil Baker, the club’s assistant manager, says Crewe Alexandra will hopefully open dialogue with two or three potential player/coaches in the goalkeeping department. The club are looking for an experienced goalkeeper who can still play at League One level, as well develop a keen interest in coaching young Ben Garratt and the other goalkeepers at the club.

The club are seeking a long-term replacement for Steve Phillips, whose dual role came to an end this summer as boss Steve Davis felt the 36 year-old could no longer play at this level on a consistent basis. Phillips, the former Bristol City and Rovers stopper is yet to make a decision over his own playing career.

Baker told crewealex.net: “We had two options really when it came to a new goalkeeper. We could have brought in another youngish goalkeeper to compete with Ben (Garratt) for the position and then hire a coach, or we could have hired a goalkeeper who can play and also has an interest in the coaching.

“With Steve (Phillips) departing this summer, we have identified three or four goalkeepers who could play but also coach. We hope to sit down and speak to some of them next week and hopefully solve the goalkeeping situation out fairly quickly.

“It is important to Ben’s development that we find a good coach. He has improved beyond recognition and we have been delighted with the progress that he has made and Steve Phillips deserves great credit for that. He did a very good job with him.

“Steve started the season in our team and ended the season playing for the Under-21s but we knew what a good job he was doing with Ben.”