David Artell says that signing the three players we have so far shows that we mean business. The Crewe Alexandra boss is still after three or four new recruits to bolster his squad options after seeing the likes of Jon Guthrie and Ollie Turton leave for pastures new this summer, but he believes that by signing Michael Raynes, Chris Porter and Jordan Bowery can help attract further players.

Artell told crewealex.net: “Chris had four or five different offers but he has joined us. Michael left Carlisle for various reasons and Jordan had to sort out his contract situation at Leyton Orient to come here.

“The supporters are not daft and neither are other players. They can see what we are trying to do. We have demonstrated that we mean business and that we want to have a successful season.

“We are doing our best to get more players in to improve us in other areas and I think that by getting the three in early, may help us attract others we are after. They can see that we are moving forward and the type of quality and character we want here.”