Summer signing wants to follow in the footsteps of manager Artell.
Michael Raynes says that following in David Artell’s footsteps was a deciding factor in him choosing to join Crewe Alexandra this summer. The 29-year-old centre-half chose to reject Carlisle United’s offer of a new contract to sign for Artell and he will officially become a Crewe player on 1st July.
Raynes, who also has EFL experience with the likes of Mansfield, Scunthorpe, Oxford and Rotherham United, will certainly boost the average age of a Crewe side that was around a ratio of just 22 at times last season.
Artell moved to Crewe in 2010 and during his two seasons with the club, he captained us to promotion in 2012 following a fantastic run through the play-offs.
Raynes told crewealex.net: “When I spoke to the manager, he told me that he came to Crewe at around the same time in his own career. He said it was the best move he ever made and he wished he had been able to come earlier.
“He developed as a player and I took it was a compliment that he compared his career and situation to mine. He had one hell of a career over a long period of time.
He added: “I had a similar decision to make and he influenced my decision. It wasn’t about chasing the money, it was about being happy. I am closer to my Manchester home and I am with a young manager, who wants to do really well for the club.”