Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell said it took a complete squad effort to make sure we were not dragged into a relegation scrap. The Railwaymen ended the season on a high by winning our last three matches to finish way ahead of the bottom places in 15th place.
Artell was pleased to have finished a difficult season on a high note after at one point being third from bottom back in December. The boss says he has not forgotten the contribution of some other members of his squad who did not finish the season necessarily in the team.
Looking back over a long season, the boss said: “It was a long, hard season and at times it was difficult with the key injuries we had and results going against us. We dropped too many points we shouldn’t have and it was tough.
“It has taken a collective effort to finish where we did. I don’t forget those players such as Michael Raynes, Brad Walker, Daggers and Chris Porter did when we were going through a tough run. They stood up for us.
“Those senior players were there, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday and doing their bit. Yes, people will remember Michael Raynes making mistakes against Carlisle but I remember what a solider he was against Notts County, putting his head on everything. He scored an important goal and was a real man for us that night.
He added: “That is why it is so important to have a strong squad because at different stages of the season, you will need them.”