David Artell says that the three former Academy graduates who penned new deals in the final week of the season has ‘set the right example’.

The Crewe Alexandra boss was delighted to see Callum Ainley, Charlie Kirk and James Jones all commit their futures to the club and the manager believes that the club’s philosophy of being honest throughout their development years paid dividends.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “The three lads have set the right example and it was morally the right thing for them to do. It has to be a part of it because they have been at this football club since they were seven years-old.

“It is what this club stands for and what the philosophy and culture is all about. We have helped them along the way to realise their dream of making it as professional footballers.

“They have worked hard, their parents have played their part and our Academy coaches have helped them realise their potential.

“They trusted us to come here in the first place. They trusted us at 10, then 14 and when they became Scholars and then professionals, so why when they get to 19, 20, why wouldn’t they?

He added: “Why would they have an agent telling them ‘no’ to suit their own means? They know that if they keep on developing here and that is all of them, not just the three lads, that the opportunities will come.”