David Artell says he is prepared for the ‘incessant nature of the January transfer window’ as he looks to improve his squad for the second half of the campaign. Artell has told the club’s official website that he is assessing all areas of his team to look to improve as Crewe aim to escape relegation back to League Two.

Artell told Crewealex.net: “We have had to get processes in place before January and that work is on-going. You have to prepare for the incessant nature of the window. I had three calls before 10am on Tuesday and much of Wednesday was spent on the phone or watching clips. Agents are on to you and it is part and parcel of the job.

“We would like to add to the squad. We are looking to improve all the time and January is a month where you can do that. Because of the shortness of it, it is more hectic than the summer but it is what it is and sometimes you have to be patient and wait.

He added: “What we do need is ready made players who can come in, make a difference to us and handle the situation. We are looking at most areas and we will see what happens.”