David Artell has stressed the importance of next season for young professionals, Billy Sass-Davies and Regan Griffiths. Both Academy graduates have gone out on loan to National League sides last season and Artell says it is crucial for their future development as they aim to break into his first-team plans for the forthcoming campaign.

Defender Sass-Davies, 21, has made 19 appearances for Yeovil Town, scoring in a 4-1 win away at Barnet and has become a firm favourite at Huish Park. Sass-Davies had made three appearances for Crewe in the early part of the season, scoring in the EFL Cup tie against Lincoln City on the opening day of the season.

Midfielder Regan Griffiths joined Notts County on loan at the beginning of April and he has made 9 appearances for the world’s oldest Football Club.

Griffiths, 21, broke through at first-team level this season, starting against Shrewsbury Town in the Checkatrade Trophy and coming on late on against Portsmouth in League One.

David Artell told the club’s official website: “Billy and Regan have gone out on loan to help with their development. We did the same with Owen (Dale) when he went out on loan to Witton and Altrincham.

“Their aim now is to break into the first team here. They have both had a taste of it. Billy started the season in and around the team and Regan was good against Shrewsbury, albeit in a Checkatrade game.

“They know it is a big season for them and they have to show that they are ready to make that step up to the first team. They have to get close to it and that starts with having a good pre-season. They have to push on and make sure they become first-team players next season.

“That is the plan for them and they have to continue to progress.”