Artell invites Walker's dad to training ground to discuss helping him settle in to a new life in South Cheshire.

Crewe Alexandra David Artell says it is important that he helps his new signings settle in as quickly as possible and he took time out of his busy schedule to have a cup of tea and a chat with Brad Walker’s father this morning.

Artell wanted to assure Brad’s parents that the club will do everything they can to help the youngster settle into his new surroundings after he agreed to his switch to Crewe last week.

Walker, 21, was born in the north east of England and has only played for Hartlepool United, so it is a new change for him. Artell does not want the midfielder to be daunted by the experience of leaving home for the first time and was pleased to meet members of his family.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “The new lads are settling in nicely and ticking over. I enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat with Brad’s dad this morning. I think it is important that his family appreciate that the club will do everything we can to help him settle in. That is us just being professional.

“He is still a young lad and it can be daunting to leave home for the first time. We did the same for Callum Cooke when he came down from the north east.

“We want the transition to go as smoothly as possible and if he has any queries then he knows that we are all there to help him. It is about him developing life skills and getting that independence and if he is settled off the pitch then he has a better chance of performing on it. “