David Artell admits that it was a slight gamble to leave out his club captain, George Ray and forward Jordan Bowery from his squad against Notts County. Both players were left out as their futures remain uncertain for next season.

They did help Alex Morris’ Under-23 side win at Colchester United last night with Ray on target in a 2-0 win.

Following back-to-back defeats to Cheltenham and Port Vale, Crewe needed to get back on track against bottom club Notts County and Artell’s faith in his bold selection saw us comfortably win 3-0.

The Alex boss said: “It worked out well in the end but it doesn’t always. Hindsight is a great thing in football and I am sure there would have been criticism coming my way if we would have lost the game.

“There are not many professions out there where you are judged by four, five, six thousand people every week and every decision you make is scrutinized, but that is the job and the world we live in. You have to get on with it and like I said in the week, every decision I do make is to benefit the football club.

"It is not about benefitting me, or the players, or the board of directors, it is what is best for the future of the club.

The boss added: “I will try and look at different players if I can. I will do that when I can and I am sure the majority of the fans respect that. I am sure they will want to see more of some of them anyway.”