Ben Garratt’s indecision to sign a new contract has opened the door for David Richards or Will Jaaskelainen to stake their claim for the number one spot according to assistant manager Kenny Lunt.

Garratt’s long association with the club will end this summer after boss David Artell withdrew the contract offer after an ultimate deadline was missed.

The Crewe boss wanted to know where he stood with his three goalkeepers and took the difficult decision to release the 25-year-old goalkeeper.

His assistant Lunt says that the opportunity is now there for one of the other two goalkeepers to take the number one spot this summer.

Artell has no plans to bring in another goalkeeper as yet.

Kenny told the club’s official website: “With Ben moving on it is a chance for someone else to take their chance. It is open to Will or Trig (Richards) and it is up to them to take it.

“That is what happens at this club, when one leaves, we try and give an opportunity to someone else before we look elsewhere.

“That is the case with all of the players who haven’t played as much as they would have liked. They have to have a rest and then make sure they are in the best condition they can be this summer to give it a real go to get into the team.”