David Artell has admitted to the club’s official website that it took a while to get the loan signing of Michael Nottingham over the line but he is delighted that he is in place to be considered against Cheltenham Town this week.

The Crewe boss told us: “We are delighted to have signed Michael. It took a while but we have got it over the line and we have got a good player.

“He has good character, has good pedigree and heads it in both boxes. He will compliment what we have already got.

“He can play at right-back or centre-half and for a club with our resources that is important. His versatility is important to us. It is handy.

The boss added: “He has a good record of goals as a defender and goals win games so that is another box he has ticked for us.”