Reserve goalkeeper Dave Richards has been unfortunate not to have played more games last season according to boss David Artell. Richards recently agreed a new contract extension to remain with the club for another two seasons and the Crewe boss says that the popular Welshman was unlucky not to have played more than the seven appearances he did make.

Used mainly in cup competitions, Richards’ only two league appearances came against Grimsby and Carlisle United when number one Will Jaaskelainen was absent on International duty with Finland. Crewe won both away games.

The 26-year-old who joined Crewe from Bristol City in the summer of 2015 is one of the club’s longest serving players and Artell says his contribution was invaluable during our promotion winning season.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Dave has been a bit unfortunate because I would have expected him to have played a few more games and Will a few less.

“This time last season there was a lot of discussion about the merits of Ben Garratt but I don’t think we have missed him at all because we have two good goalkeepers. Trigger (Richards) has played some games in that and so has Will.

“Obviously, we are delighted that both goalkeepers have signed new contract extensions with us. We are delighted we have two good goalkeepers. We know that if Will is away on International duty or has a bad spell then we know Dave will step in and do a good job for the team, which he always has.

He added: “There is not a lot to choose between them and Trig has developed into a really good goalkeeper. There is still work to do with both of them and that is what we will do to make them even better.”