David Artell says that veteran midfielder Paul Green ‘is 35 going on 25’ after signing him on a permanent deal this summer. The Crewe boss was determined to add the experienced player to his squad following his release from Oldham Athletic this summer.

Green certainly impressed on loan during the second half of last season, even captaining the club on occasions in the absence of the injured George Ray.

The former Republic of Ireland International did not hesitate in joining the Railwaymen on a permanent deal after making 20 appearances during the second half of last season.

Artell told crewealex.net: “Paul was a terrific signing in January and he is a terrific signing for us next season. He is 35 going on 25 with all the experience a 35-year-old has.

“I cannot fault him. He sets the standard every day in training and he has been great around the place. He gets what this club is all about and what we are trying to do. He likes the culture and I must say that it didn’t take much selling.

“It only took a few words from me for him to agree to sign and he has a good feeling about the place.

“He likes the way we play and he knows his role in the team. He knows he has to try and help the younger ones around him and it is no coincidence that the results improved with him in the team.

David added: “Paul has that steady influence on the younger ones. It may just be a few words or little instructions, but he talks them through the games and that is one of his many strengths as a player.”