David Artell is pleased to have welcomed back Jamie Sterry into the fold after completing the loan signing of the right-back until the end of the season on Saturday. Sterry returns to Gresty Road from his parent club Newcastle United following his successful first spell with us last season.

The defender made 9 appearances as Crewe ended the campaign strongly. The Crewe boss says that the 23-year-old has to compete for a place like everyone else - but he says that his level of quality and experience was what he wanted to bring in during the window.

David told the club’s official website: “I didn’t want to just bring in cover. I wanted to bring in better or at least the equivalent, so finding someone as good as Perry (Ng) or Harry (Pickering) is tough but we know Jamie fits that mould.

“If we were to lose one or wanted to change things around a bit then we know that we have someone just as good going in. Jamie knows us and we know him and it is a good signing, who will help us.

“It is a great asset to have and he is now a further 12 months down the line in his development. He has gone back to Newcastle and been involved with the first-team at times, so that is only going to benefit him as a young footballer.

“He knows he has to get into the team. He will be treated like anybody else and Newcastle appreciate that. I don’t guarantee my own players starts, never mind loan players.

The boss added: “I cannot fault Newcastle United. They have been top class with us and I know they get some stick at times, but in my experience they are a fantastically run football club. They are terrific with work with and I cannot praise them enough for the way they handled Jamie’s move.”