Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he did not hesitate to bring back defender, Billy Sass-Davies, and young midfielder Joe Robbins from their successful loan spell at Altrincham. Both joined Phil Parkinson National League side for a month and helped the side move up the table. They are currently 8th after winning four of their last five matches.
Centre-half Sass-Davies was rewarded with a first-team start away at Hull City in the Papa Johns’ Trophy on Tuesday and the Welshman helped Crewe achieve a clean-sheet before we eventually lost 3-2 in the decisive shoot-out.
First year professional, Robbins, will continue his development with Alex Morris’ Under-23 side and will be hoping to be included in the first-team squad at some point during the season.
Artell explained to the club’s official website: “We couldn’t bring the boys back until the first 28 days had elapsed. If I could have done, I would have done because we lost Callum (Ainley) and Donervon (Daniels) through injury. We were also without Josh (Lundstram), so we needed them.
“It is what it is and they did ever so well at Altrincham. I am not saying it was down to just those two but they helped a part-time club in the National League to move up the table in a short space of time.
“They played their part in that and would have gained from the experience, like Josh, did with the same club last season. They have done well but we needed them.
“Billy started on Tuesday and was good. He was fine once he settled into it and Joe is developing nicely as well in his first year as a pro. I’m sure we will need both of them at some stage.”