Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell says he will look to do the majority of his business early as he prepares for next season. Artell was delighted to have signed three members of his first team squad on new contracts before the end of the season and he wants to add one or two new faces as soon as he can.

James Jones, Callum Ainley and Charlie Kirk all agreed new deals with the football club and Artell says that conducting that vital business was a major boost ahead of our final game of the season against Cheltenham Town.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Signing the three lads on their new contracts has put us in a better position and I have been pleased with the in-house business we have been able to do.

“We are looking at other areas and we have got lists. We have had to rip up one or two because our players are staying and we are delighted with that. We had to plan for the worst case scenario.

“I am sure some will come in. I am looking to tie up a bit of business and if we can do that over the next couple of weeks then I may treat myself to a glass of wine because it would be a very good start.

“I would expect some more to come in and I would like to do it as early as I can because you don’t want to miss the boat.

He added: “If we are in for a player and the majority of League Two are in for the same player then we will struggle to match them financially in some cases, but we will plan accordingly and not just do things on a whim.”