James Collins says it will be good to catch up with our former players Ellis and Tootle this weekend.

Crewe Alexandra’s first team coach James Collins says he is looking forward to catching up with our former players Mark Ellis and Matt Tootle at Shrewsbury at the weekend - but he says that any niceties will only occur before and after the game. Crewe are aiming to win their first game of the season after picking up only two points from our opening seven matches.

Tootle, who progressed through the Academy system at Crewe Alexandra to become a promotion winner and captain of the club, joined the Shrews in the summer on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Ellis was released by the club in the summer of 2014 after winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley.

Collins is looking forward to catching up with our former players at the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday.

The coach told us: “Matt and Mark are two great lads who have fond memories of the club and the staff and the supporters have fond memories of their time with us as well.

“Mark often pops into the club to watch some games or catch up with the staff and I have a great relationship with Matt because he was with the club for a long time.

“We were disappointed when Matt left in the summer because we felt that he was close to re-signing for us but he got an offer from Shrewsbury that was a good one and he probably wanted a fresh start after missing most of the season through injury.

James added: “I’m sure we will have a catch up on Saturday but hopefully we will get the result.”