Crewe Alexandra’s fifth signing of a busy summer, Rod McDonald, joined his new teammates for today’s double training session and the locally based defender is hoping to make a strong impact after finally returning to the North West.

McDonald signed a 12-month contract with the club following his departure from Carlisle United and other than missing the opening days of pre-season, the 30-year-old cannot wait to get going against one of his former clubs Nantwich Town this weekend.

On completing his switch to Mornflake Stadium, the defender said: “I’m buzzing. I have been away from home for 10 years, so it has been a long time travelling up and down the motorway, so one of the factors is that I am closer to home and can see the family more. I am just excited to get going.

“Alex (Morris) spoke to me early on in the window and it went back and forth a bit before he came back and said that he wanted me to sign and then it happened pretty quickly and we got it done.

“It’s my home town club, my family and friends are here and my children are here, so it will nice to be home every night.

“I spoke to the management team and they just said do what I do best. I am really excited to show the fans and players what I can do and help them out.

“I am aggressive in the air and would like to think I am strong and I read the game pretty well. I have played with a lot of experienced players during my career and they helped me and hopefully I can pass that on to the younger lads here.

He added: “The ambition is to be at the top end of the table and pushing for promotion, like we should be. That is what we all hope for and is the main reason why I chose Crewe.”