Crewe Alexandra pair Conor Grant & Sam Stubbs have returned to their parent clubs following the expiration of their loan deals.

Grant heads back to Everton after playing the full 90 minutes in the Alex's 2-0 New Years' Day victory over Grimsby. He made a total of 18 appearances, starting on 14 occassions.

Stubbs returns to Wigan Athletic having made eight appearances, starting five of those, including his full senior league debut in the 1-0 victory at Morecambe in November.

David Artell confirmed after the game on New Years' Day that the pair's loans wouldn't be being renewed, with he & everyone at the Club wishing Conor & Sam the best for the future.

The Alex Manager now has his sights set on adding fresh faces to his squad during this transfer window.

He said: "Conor is a good player, that's why he's at Everton & done well at Doncaster & a few other loan spells. He's going back to Everton & we'd like to move quickly to replace him.

"Like Conor, Sam is a good pro & he's done well. He's played three of four league games & some cup games for us. He'll be fine & he'll have a good career.

"Both of the lads have been great around the place & we wish them well going forward."