Boss not giving up hope of defender re-signing this summer.

David Artell remains hopeful that defender Jon Guthrie will agree to sign a new deal with the club. Although the former Pewsey Vale man has not signed a contract that has been on the table since October, the optimistic boss still feels that Guthrie could sign before next Monday’s deadline.

Artell has made no secret of his desire for Guthrie to commit his future to the club and he has already held positive talks with the players’ father in a quest to convince him that his development can continue at Gresty Road.

Artell told crewealex.net: “As each day passes we get closer to the deadline. I will speak to him because we are getting closer to crunch time. I’ve tried to speak to the agent but he has didn’t return my call. I see that as a positive thing because if he had something else lined up then I’m sure he would have picked his phone up and told me.

“Jon has been in the building (Reaseheath) and that is only a positive. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want him to stay. We’ll see.

“If he signs then great. If he doesn’t then we move on.”