Steve Davis says starting XI is packed with experience despite their relatively young age.

Steve Davis believes that his more experienced players will come of age next season as we mount a challenge to bounce back from relegation. Crewe Alexandra will return to League Two for the first time since winning the play-offs in 2012 and Davis believes that he has the nucleus of a promising squad under contract and ready for the challenge.

Although a number of his regular starting XI are young in age, they have registered a large number of games. Goalkeeper Ben Garratt has surpassed 100 games this season, as has the versatile Ollie Turton. Summer signing Ben Nugent also has over 100 appearances as a 23-year-old defender.

Despite his injury problems over the last couple of seasons, Harry Davis has played close to 175 matches and Jon Guthrie is closing in on 100 appearances. George Ray has played over 70 games and midfielder James Jones has now played over 60 games.

Steve told crewealex.net: “The squad would improve with some more experience and quality in certain areas but we also have a good nucleus in place.

“They may be relatively young in age, but they are experienced in terms of the number of games they have played.

“Ben (Garratt) has played over 100 games now, so has Ollie. Jon is close and Harry and Ben Nugent have played a lot of games now and George and James Jones are getting closer to the milestone of 100 games.

He added: “They are still young and make mistakes but they have played enough games now to know what it is all about. They can help the other young players, like the two Callum’s, Charlie and George Cooper. If we can add to that by bringing in two or three from outside then I’m sure we will do fine next season.”