Bell admits both parties felt the same as Richards emerged as number one
Lee Bell admits that goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen needed a new challenge after losing his first team place to David Richards.
The young Finn,23, was not offered a new deal and leaves the club as a free agent this summer.
Jaaskelainen was the number one goalkeeper when Crewe were promoted to League One back in 2020 and he performed admirably as Crewe finished in mid-table the following season –but he has found it difficult to hold down a regular place after being replaced by Richards back in November.
He ended the campaign by making just three appearances since the turn of the year.
Since signing from Bolton as a teenager, Jaaskelainen made 95 first team appearances for Crewe and had a succession of loan spells before finding his feet at first team level. He has tremendous experience for such a young goalkeeper.
Assistant manager Lee Bell believes that both parties felt a fresh challenge was needed this summer.
He told the club’s official website: “Dave came into the team and did well enough to become the number one and we felt that Will needed a fresh challenge and he felt the same way too.
“He is a smashing fella. He is a top professional. He trains well every day and everyone wishes him well at his next club.
“Now it is up to Trig, Dave Richards, to keep the number one spot for next season.”