Crewe Alexandra Assistant Manager Kenny Lunt has told the press that George Ray has verbally agreed to pen his new contract at the Club on Thursday (29 June).

The management team had made it clear that they wanted to keep Ray after a fine second half to the 2016/17 season under the new leadership, & George now looks set to put pen-to-paper on his new deal after a summer of negotiations.

Kenny said: "It's some good news, George is signing on Thursday - which we've been waiting for"

"He spoke to me this morning (Tuesday) & he's quite happy to sign the contract he's been offered & I'm sure George will speak about it later on when it's all done.

"It's good news for the Club & good news for George. He can get on with playing his football & concentrate on a big season ahead now.

"We're hopeful George can have a big season & play many games. He had one or two niggles over last year & we're hoping he can keep improving and go on to being the player we know he can."