David Artell believes that Welshman David Richards is well equipped to really challenge Ben Garratt for the number 1 spot next season. The Crewe boss recently rewarded the goalkeeper with a new contract and he has challenged the former Bristol City and Cardiff City stopper to make that number one jersey his own.
Richards did get ahead of Garratt earlier in the season, making his senior debut at Coventry City in late September. He has gone on to make 14 first-team appearances this season but an injury sustained at Swindon back in January, saw Garratt regain his place for the last few months.
Artell told the club’s official website: “Dave has done well and he deserves his new contract.
“He came in and did well earlier in the season and was in the team before he got injured at Swindon.
“He has played a number of games now and had a taste of it and he has to use that as a motivation for next season. He has to come back and make sure he is really challenging for that number one jersey.
“His aim has to be to play more than 14 games. He has to try and establish himself as the number one goalkeeper here.
“I’ve told him he needs to have a good summer and prepare himself for a real fight.”