Crewe Alexandra’s influential midfielder Paul Green believes that the Railwaymen could be equipped for an assault on promotion next season. Green recently had his new 12-month contract automatically executed by the club with David Artell publicly praising the impact Green has made both on and off the field.

The 36-year-old, Green, has been a major influence on the young squad and he says they will be even stronger after another 12 months under their belt.

The former Leeds and Doncaster man said: “We just missed out on the play-offs this season and our away results in the first half of the season didn’t help with that. We know what we have to make up next season.

“We ended well again and were disappointed not to end with five wins on the spin but I think there are some exciting times ahead for this team. We have shown that we can compete with the best and the younger players are another year on in their development.

“I am sure we will look to strengthen in the summer and I cannot wait to get back stuck in it. It is important to have a break and recuperate but then be ready for pre-season.

“It is great to have the backing of the club because I knew that I wouldn’t quite make the appearances, so to be given the contract was a boost for me.

“It’s in my DNA to always give 100% in the games and that is what I will do again next season.”