Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has praised the application of Oli Finney and ‘his desire to forge a professional career’ after the young midfielder was named as the club’s ‘Breakthrough Player of the Year’ by the supporters at our annual awards.

Finney beat off some stiff competition from the likes of Owen Dale and Tom Finney to claim the prestigious award and Artell was delighted for him.

David told the club’s official website: “Ollie fully deserved his award and he has been terrific for us this season and what I mean by that is his application in training and his desire to forge a professional career in the game.

“This time last year, he would have been under consideration about a new contract but there is absolutely no doubt this year. He has done ever so well and got his rewards by breaking into the first-team squad on a regular basis. His next aim will be to get in the team on a more consistent basis.

He added: “He still has some way to go to achieve that but I know he will work even harder next season. He is heading in the right direction and he has to keep moving forward.”