David Artell says that Chris Porter’s decision to stay with the club for at least another 12 months is one that suits all parties. Artell wants to tap into the striker’s vast experience to help the younger players in his squad develop and the club in turn will give Porter the flexibility with his training to make sure he is available for as many matches as possible next season.

Porter is homing in on 200 career goals and Artell believes that the 37-year-old has the ability to surpass that figure next season in League One. The Crewe boss said last week that Porter’s goal tally last season in ratio to actual starts proves that the former Derby and Sheffield United man can get goals at this level.

Porter hit 7 goals from just 16 starts during the last campaign.

Artell told the club’s official website: “We will look to facilitate Chris as much as possible to make sure he is fit and available for as many games as he can be.

“It is important to tap into his experience and knowledge and that can help the younger ones in the squad. He is a top professional and he has been in the game a long time.

“We will also look to help him through his A’ licence and provide Academy teams for that, so he can get his coaching badges for what I am sure will be a second career for him if he wants it.

“Chris is intelligent to know how we play with him in the team and how we design that around him and he knows how to get the best of himself and what he can offer the team. “

The boss added: “He will embrace his role in the squad and the team and I think it is ideal for him and ideal for him.