Eddie Nolan’s vast experience and calming influence on-and-off the pitch has made him an important addition to David Artell’s squad over the last couple of seasons and that is why the Crewe manager was eager to get the 30-year-old signed up for another couple of seasons at the very least.

Nolan penned a new deal yesterday to take him through to the summer of 2021 and Artell says that his influential around the younger players is one of his greatest attributes, as well as his playing ability in the heart of the Alex defence.

The Crewe told the club’s official website: “As one of our non-Academy players if you like, Eddie is an important character to have. He is one who guides the younger players and helps them find their feet. If they think they have cracked it then he is one who put them back on the straight and narrow. He has great experience in the game.

“Eddie never really shouts and when he needs to communicate, he is always measured in what he wants to say. He knows how to talk to people in the right manner, at the right time. It is a great trait to have and he knows when things need to be said or when someone may need an arm around them.

“He does all that whilst also been good at his own job. He has done terrifically well since he came here and he is an integral part of the squad. His consistency is a key quality to have.”