Michael Raynes has told the club’s official website that it is a fresh slate for everyone and places are up for grabs as we prepare for the new season. The experienced centre-half lost his place in the second half of last season following the return to fitness of club skipper George Ray, but the Manchester-born centre-half will do everything in his power to try and win his place back.

Raynes earned rave reviews from manager David Artell for his contribution in the first half of last season and the defender says that going through a tough period will put the team in a better position for this coming season.

The 30-year-old told crewealex.net: “The first half of the season went well for me but then I had a dip in form and was left out. I accepted that and I appreciated the honesty of the manager. That is all you can ask for a player.

“The two lads deserved to be in the team. Ray came back from injury and was outstanding and Eddie won the player-of-the-year. They stayed in the side until the end of the season and there were no complaints from me.

“But now it is a fresh slate for everyone. It is a new start and it is an exciting time.

“Even as experienced players we would have learned a lot from last season. We had highs and lows and you learn from that. It would have been an invaluable experience for the younger ones and they would have taken a lot from it.

“They will be more balanced after having gone through good and tough times.”