Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that winger Charlie Kirk committing his future to the club until at least the summer of 2022 is a major boost as we prepare for the new season.

Kirk scored 9 goals last season and provided the most assists in League Two as Crewe won promotion back to League One before lockdown.

Artell is delighted that Kirk has signed a new and improved contract with the club in readiness for the step-up in level.

Kirk, 22, who made his debut in League One as a teenager has admitted that he wasn’t quite ready to make his mark on that stage at that age, but he is ready now.

Artell told the club’s official website: “The news that Charlie has signed a new contract with us probably went under the radar a bit at the time because of lockdown and what was happening but it is terrific news. It really is.

“He loves playing here and we love him. He has a bright future in the game.

“He told me that when he played in League One previously, he wasn’t ready, but he is more than ready now.

“He is determined to give it a right good go and that is the challenge for him. We will support him all the way because with him in the team we have more of a chance of winning games.

The boss added: “If he can repeat the last two seasons he has had for us at that level then we will really reap the benefits because he has been terrific for us, really consistent and a potential match winner.”