Boss wants youngsters to tap into Tate's football knowledge

Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis says he is pleased to have enticed the experienced Alan Tate back to the club for a second loan spell. The club had to wait for the re-opening of the January transfer window to sign the Swansea City defender on loan until the end of the season.

Tate had previously served the 93 days maximum to take him up until Christmas Eve and missed the club’s Boxing Day victory over Oldham and the 1-1 draw with Preston North End two days later.

Tate was the first of three new signings this week with Greg Leigh quickly following suit on loan and Anthony Stewart on a permanent contract from Wycombe Wanderers.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Alan wants to come here and help out. He is great around the place. He offers pieces of advice to the young players and he reminds me of David Artell when he first came into the club.

“He has had a great career. He has experienced the highs and lows and played in every division. I am pleased that we have a character like around the squad.

“Alan’s contract at Swansea is up in the summer and he will be waiting to show his worth and do well. He wants to earn himself a contract somewhere and will want to show what we can do.”