Boss says he wouldn't hestiate in handing youngster his first league start at Blackpool

Young midfield player Ryan Wintle would not be fazed if he was to be handed his first league start for the club away at Blackpool this weekend. That is the strong opinion of new Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell after he turned to the former Alsager Town youngster early on into our win over Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

A hamstring injury to captain Danny Hollands forced the manager’s hand inside the first 20 minutes, but Wintle, 19, embraced the challenge and played well to help us secure our second successive home win.

Artell told crewealex.net: “Ryan did terrific for us and I would no qualms about starting him. I’ve been saying since I took over that I think that Ryan has been our most consistent performer for the U-23s.

“He has the right character and wasn’t fazed. He didn’t need 15 minutes to get into the game or get used to the pace of it, he was bang on it right from the off.

“That is what we need. His mind-set was good and he was ready. I’ve said it to everyone here. We are in this together, all of us. 25 lads, the managements, staff the fans, everybody.

He added: “Ryan did a terrific job and his form for the U-23s meant he deserved his chance when it came.”