David Artell says that the transfer of Harry Pickering to Championship side, Blackburn Rovers, is a ‘good one for all parties’.

Pickering has signed at Ewood Park until the summer of 2025 but will initially return to the Alexandra Stadium on loan.  

The 22-year-old will remain a Crewe player until the summer before making that step up into the second tier next season.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I think it is a good deal for all parties. It is a good deal for Harry, a good move for Blackburn because they have got a Championship player certainly and a good move for us because he will also come back here on loan.

“Everyone was in agreement and we think this is the right course of action. We will wish him well from June onwards and I am sure whilst he is here, he will give it his all as he has always done.

“I spoke to his agent and told him that it was important that we didn’t lose both our full-backs. The agent agreed with that and Blackburn have agreed it too. They have Douglas on loan doing really well and Amari’i Bell there as well, so I am sure they would prefer a player to be out playing football than sat in the stand or on the substitutes’ bench.

The boss added: “It has been a well-constructed deal and it is a good one for everyone.”