Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has told the club’s official website of the important role that the experienced Michael Raynes performed at the club last season.
Raynes, 30, made 34 appearances during his debut season and although a knee injury kept him out of the run-in, Artell says that Manchester-born defender still played a major role off the pitch. Crewe Alexandra ended the season strongly to eventually finish in 15th place in League Two.
Raynes, who joined last summer from Carlisle United has proven that he is a true leader and previously captained the club in the absence of the injured George Ray and on occasions, Chris Dagnall.
David told the club’s official website: “Michael is a terrific pro and he sets the standard here. He sets it every day in training and you don’t get to 30 in this game, if you do not have those high standards.
“His attitude is second to none. Even when he is left out or was injured, he was always there supporting the lads and you need people like that.
“He did ever so well for us in the first half of the season. I don’t forget that. People remember the Carlisle game but I remember the majority of the other games or when he came on at Newport and headed absolutely everything.
The boss added: “We were wobbling a bit at the time but he played a major part in us seeing that through. He had a bit of a knee injury towards the end of the season but no-one works harder than Michael and I’m sure he will come back stronger next season.”