Artell says we can improve at the back as he starts to build his own Alex team.

David Artell has told the club’s official web-site that he is on the look-out for a good centre-half and that may become two if Jon Guthrie decides that his future lies away from Gresty Road this summer.

Artell is hopeful that youngsters George Ray and Perry Ng will sign for the club after being offered new deals at the end of the season, but he is still looking for an experienced defender to help our back four for next season.

The Alex boss told crewealex.net: “I am on the lookout for a good centre-half and that could be two if our ones do not sign this summer.

“We are looking to improve the team and that is an area where I think we can improve. That is why I decided to let Ben (Nugent) leave. I just thought we could get better. That is the key to recruitment.

“I am confident that George and Perry will sign. If they don’t then we will need to find another one.

“Under-23 football has become too easy for Perry. He has shown over the last couple of months that he can make the step up into the first team. He is ready, so I am not worried there.

Artell said: “He has developed physically and we have always known that he is a good footballer. He can bring the ball out from the back and is a good passer. “