David Artell says that last week could not have gone any better in the history of Crewe Alexandra Football Club.

The Crewe Alexandra boss orchestrated the re-signing of three of his key first-team players and then saw his Academy XI defeated Cheltenham Town 2-1 on the final game of the season.

The Bank Holiday weekend ended with Neil Baker’s star studded testimonial match and evening meal at the Alexandra Stadium.

David told the club’s official website: “I don’t think the week could have gone any better for us. If it remains a pivotal week for the club in relation to the three players who have signed new contracts with us, then only time will tell. They have safeguarded our future and shown the right example to the younger players coming through.

“They have signed and hopefully that will help us have a more successful season.

“We have then won our final game of the season with a team made up of homegrown players. It is the second time in history that it has been done and I’m sure it makes everyone proud. The Academy staff deserve the plaudits. They have worked their socks off to give those players a chance to make it as a professional footballer.

“It is a real shot in the arm for the coaches, our younger age groups and their parents. I want them to think that in 5,6,7, years or whatever it is, that could be their son playing professional football for Crewe. That is what this club is all about.”