Crewe Alexandra’s Player-of-the-Season, Owen Dale, says that forming new partnership with players is part and parcel of football.

Dale won a clean sweep of the club’s end-of-the-season awards after having his most consistent season to date, notching 12 goals from a wide position in an attack-minded Alex side.

Dale says it was fantastic to team up with former captain Perry Ng on that right hand side and that it was no surprise that Championship clubs came calling for him and Harry Pickering in the January transfer market.

The Warrington-born youngster could now be forming a new partnership next season with the likes of Travis Johnson, new loan signing Kayne Ramsay, or Luke Offord or Donervon Daniels if they are utilised at right-back. Rio Adebisi looks set to be given the opportunity to establish himself at left-back after Pickering’s move to Blackburn will become permanent this summer.

Owen told the club’s official website: “I played with Perry (Ng) behind me for the majority of a season and a half so it's been massive to lose him, but that's football and people move on and we have lads coming through now who look like they can really kick on.

“The club will be looking to bring in new players and hopefully the players that come in are ready to do the job and fill the boots of Pez and Pixie.

“Pixie will be another one who has great quality and deserved his move. Whoever comes in has a big job to do to step into those boots. I think Rio is looking close and could easily do it, he's really doing well.

“Another one is Ryan Wintle, he's gone but again I look at that and see the likes of Josh Lundstrum, who has been hindered by an injury but personally I think he could do it and we'd still be all right.

“Like Crewe is, we'll still be bringing players through and there is always the next line. We'll be fine.”