Michael Raynes says he has never considered leaving Crewe Alexandra after he lost his place to captain George Ray in the second half of last season. Raynes ended the season with a slight injury but still managed to make 34 appearances in his debut season for the club.

The former Carlisle United defender earned praise from manager David Artell for his contribution in the first half of the campaign and then when called upon off the subs bench, like he was when we defended a 2-1 lead away at Newport County.

Raynes says that this coming season is a fresh start for everyone and leaving has never crossed his mind. The Manchester-born centre-half told us: “The boss has said that it is a clean slate for everyone and that is how I will look at it.

“I have never been one for throwing my toys out of the pram. That is not me. It is up to me to get more game time and I have got to work hard for the opportunities. That is how it has been all the way through my career. It is nothing new to me.

Michael added: “I’ve never thought about leaving. I want to stay and fight for my place. I enjoy it here. It is a great club and the spirit is good. Everyone gets on and it is great that the majority of the squad is staying together for us to have a real go.”