Ray buzzing after signing new deal.

George Ray says that ‘he always wanted to re-sign for the club’ after he penned a new two-year deal yesterday.

The centre-half is the latest Crewe player to commit his future under boss David Artell and the former Wales Under-21 International is hoping he can do enough in pre-season to be granted the captain’s armband in the coming season.

Ray, 23, has amassed over 100 career appearances and excelled under Artell after being promoted back into the first team picture. His performances in the second half of the season helped Crewe move away from the relegation zone before he suffered a back injury away at Yeovil over the Easter period.

Ray was given the all-clear on his fractured back on June 7 and has successfully returned to full-time training this week.

The Warrington-based defender told iFollow: “I am buzzing to have signed the contract and put pen to paper. Now I’m just looking forward to the season ahead.

“The contract situation didn’t seem that long to me. It was reported early but I’ve had a holiday and some time off and came back at the beginning of June, so it has been only a few weeks.

“I always told my agent that this was where I wanted to be. I told Dave (Artell) this is where I wanted to be. They all knew I wanted to sign here, so I was relaxed about it.

“I had to iron one or two things out with the contract but it was all done quickly and its done now. This is where I want to be and I am looking forward to getting back into it. “

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