Lee Bell says he will work with whatever resources are available to add new players in January.

The manager and his backroom team are ramping up preparations for the transfer window, which opens in the New Year.

He has made it clear he wants to add reinforcements, with attacking options a priority with Courtney Baker-Richardson and Christopher Long sidelined.

Bell said: “We are all working hard behind the scenes, putting plans together and making calls.

“I know what type of player I want and what experiences they need to have had, so it’s about seeing who is available, and what we can afford.  

“We have some conversations coming up about it, but I’ll always be positive whatever the outcome. You won’t hear too much moaning from me about budgets, I can promise you that.”

Head of Recruitment Josh Kennard and First Team Analyst John Dillon are key to efforts to bolster the squad, but Crewe will be without the help of former Recruitment Consultant Glyn Chamberlain, who has left for a role at Derby County.

Bell added: “Glyn has been brilliant to have around, he has an excellent knowledge of football and players, and has vast connections in the football world.

“But you can’t deny someone the opportunity to go to a club like Derby so we wish him well.”