Boss says he had to be fair to midfielder who wasn't in his immediate plans.
Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis says that Chris Atkinson’s short-term loan move to Crawley Town suits all parties. The 23-year-old midfielder joined the Red Devils on loan until the 10th February after seeing his first-team opportunities at Crewe Alexandra limited. Atkinson has found himself behind the likes of captain David Fox, Billy Bingham and James Jones in the pecking order and with his contract set to expire in the summer, the former Huddersfield man was seeking first-team football.
Atkinson has made 16 appearances for Crewe this season, but mostly as a substitute and although Steve Davis could have kept the former Tranmere man as cover, he feels that we have enough numbers in the midfield area to allow him to go out.
Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “With Chris it was just a question of juggling things around a bit. We have been fairly strong in terms of midfield numbers this season and I couldn’t guarantee him first team football.
“Kingy has also returned to Swansea but we have the three who have been playing and the likes of Ryan (Wintle) and now Joe (Howell) waiting for their chance. We could also move Ollie (Turton) into a sitting role in midfield if needs be and bring in James Baillie or Perry Ng in at right-back. We have a few options, so we felt we could let Chris go out.
“He is out of contract in the summer and he wants to be playing. I understand that and I wanted to be fair with him as well. He needs to be playing.
“From my perspective it will also free up some money for us to do some business as well. We need to strengthen with another forward and if it isn’t Ryan (Lowe) then we would like to get another in if possible.”