David Artell says he was pleased to bring in five new loan players during the January transfer window and only lose winger George Cooper to Peterborough United after a fee was agreed between the two clubs.

Artell was able to bring in the Newcastle pair Jamie Sterry and Daniel Barlaser, the experienced Oldham Athletic midfielder Paul Green and strikers Shaun Miller and Harry McKirdy from Carlisle and Aston Villa respectively.

The Crewe boss says he was delighted with the backing he received from the club’s board as he searched for reinforcements to strengthen our squad for the final few months of the season.

Artell told the club’s official website: “The board were fantastic in the transfer window. The fans should be in no doubt that the board members did everything they could to bring players in. I don’t think there are many clubs in League Two, who are down there and were able to bring in five new players in on loan.

“The ones that have, your Chesterfields and Forest Greens have the finances. One has been taken over and is throwing money at it. The other has an owner who has a few bob as well and he doesn’t want to go back into non-league.

“Our board were terrific and I think we have got in five excellent players, who have given us a lift. Now we have to make sure they understand what we want from them and we have been working on that since they came in.”