Ryan Wintle’s ability to play in various positions is just another 'string to his bow' according to boss David Artell.

The Staffordshire-born youngster played at centre-half alongside George Ray on the final day of the season against Cheltenham Town and he showed that he had the versatility to make the switch from his normal midfield position appear pretty straightforward.

Wintle helped Crewe Alexandra end the season with a deserved 2-1 win and make sure we ended the campaign with three straight wins. Artell said that Wintle made the switch of position look comfortable.

The boss says of Wintle: “Ryan had played there before for the U-23s. It is something we have tried previously, but it is another thing doing for it for the first-team.

“Ryan is a very good player though and he has the ability to do that. He is very composed and assured on the ball and he reads the game well. He spots danger and reacts and that is what makes him a very good defender or holding midfielder.

“He has also a good range of passing and he is good in the air. He isn’t the tallest but he has a terrific leap on him.

He added: “I am not surprised that he showed he could play at centre-half because he has a great temperament and he picks things up quickly. He came to us a bit later than the others but he has good football intelligence.”