Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell appreciates that part of his job is to balance the books – but he isn’t one for touting about his players during transfer windows.

Last season, Artell sold George Cooper to Peterborough United in the January window and he used some of the finances to bolster his squad as we battled against relegation. It worked with Crewe finishing 15th and away from danger.

Artell does not especially want that to happen again in the New Year but he knows that the club work on a limited budget in comparison to other lower league clubs in the EFL.

The Crewe Alexandra boss admits: “I constantly have to think about who is coming through and who could be an asset to sell. That is part of the job and I’m sure it happens at other lower league clubs. We have to sell to survive.

“What I won’t do is sell players to clubs, who don’t really want them. I wouldn’t do that and force them that way. I am not for one for touting our players around. That isn’t the right thing to do.

“What I can do is help them play well and influence it that way. I can help them understand their roles and become more effective, so when they are ready to move, they will be better equipped to handle it.”