Boss pleased that goalkeeper has signed deal but says he wants more from popular Welshman.

David Artell has challenged his reserve goalkeeper Dave Richards to provide more competition to Ben Garratt next season. Richards signed a new 12-month deal yesterday and Artell now wants the former Bristol City and Cardiff City stopper to challenge Garratt more for the number one spot.

Richards is yet to make his first team debut for Crewe Alexandra, but he did help the club reach the final of the Cheshire Senior Cup before he broke his finger in the semi-final win at Hyde United.

Artell is pleased that the likeable Richards has extended his stay at Crewe but he now wants to put more pressure on Garratt.

He told the club’s official web-site: “Dave has to keep on developing as a goalkeeper and I want him to put more pressure on Ben. That is the key to his plan.

“He has to offer more competition to Ben and provide more competition. He is a good lad and the challenge is there for him.”