Artell says nucleus of his team is taking shape with emerging youngsters.

David Artell has admitted to the club’s official web-site that he has the nucleus of a good side developing due to the emergence of our promising youngsters this season. The Crewe Alexandra boss has been pleased with the contribution of youngsters such as James Jones, George Cooper and Perry Ng this season and he has reiterated that the club expect more good things from Callum Ainley, Ryan Wintle, Harry Pickering and Charlie Kirk next season.

Artell told crewealex.net: “I think the young lads are right on track. They are heading in the right direction and have to keep working hard. We won the game on Saturday with Ryan Wintle scoring his first goal and Callum Ainley scoring as well. They are both 19 and we have high hopes for both of them.

“Ryan capped a good all round performance with his first goal. I wasn’t surprised it was a header because he is good in the air.

“Callum looked a real player. He showed great moments of skill and vision. He was terrific for us and that is before you talk about what Jonah and George Cooper have achieved this season. They are still young but have already played over 100 games each.

“They are coming along nicely as well. I have been told that the crowd have been getting on George’s back lately. Well, I didn’t know that and he came back with a real vengeance against Leyton Orient.”