Talented midfielder won't be part of plans until he does after talks stall.

David Artell has revealed that midfielder Tom Lowery will be ‘left in the wilderness’ until he is prepared to sign a new contract with the Football Club.

The Alex boss stated that talks between the two parties have ‘stalled and are progressing very slowly’ and that ‘it is breaking his heart’ to leave the talented midfielder out of his plans.

The likeable youngster has continued to train and act professionally, but he has not featured in any of the club's pre-season matches so far.

Artell has been forced into making a strong stance after the player’s agent refused to enter into further negotiations with the club.

Lowery, 23, has made 141 appearances for the club after coming through the club’s Academy, but he is now entering the final year of his contract.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I have tried to engage with the agent but he ignored my calls to do that. He didn’t want to enter into negotiations and now I am being told that he does, well if that is the case then tough.

“My kindness will not be a weakness and I’ve told Tom that I don’t want to deal with his agent.

"If Tom wants to come into the office and enter a discussion then great but until he does then we are at a standstill with it. That is where we are.   

“I’ve told him that it is my job to protect this club and until he signs his contract, he won’t play for this football club. No-one person is bigger than Crewe Alexandra, the club is bigger than anyone, and I’ve got to do what is in the best interests of the club going forward.

"If agents or players think they can dictate terms then they are wrong.

“If Tom doesn’t realise that it’s my job to protect the club, then he will be in the wilderness until he does.

The boss added: “I don’t want to do it. I look at him, and it breaks my heart because he has made some poor decisions and taken some poor advice. “