David Artell admits that the search for potential transfer targets started ‘months ago’. The Alex boss would like to strengthen his squad in the January transfer market, especially with the long term injury concerns we have had over George Ray and James Jones this season.

Neither of those players has kicked a ball in anger this season and although they are improving, the boss admits that it was important to have signed Conor Grant and Sam Stubbs as extra cover.

We have also been without Tom Lowery, Michael Raynes and Ryan Wintle in recent weeks and Artell does not want to be left short going into a crucial second half of the season.

Artell told crewealex.net: “We have been making plans for the past few months. It is always on going. We are always looking at our markets for potential players, who could come here and improve us.

“We have been working on compiling a list of potential targets that could be within our budget. The next step as we approach the end of the month will be to narrow that down and shorten that list to the ones we want.

“With the injuries we have had, it shows that you have to plan for the worst case scenario. That is what we will do and I would like to bolster the squad.”