There was no sentiment involved in the decision to bring Charlie Kirk back to Crewe Alexandra.

That’s according to Manager Lee Bell, who says the attacker was signed on Deadline Day simply because he is a quality player.

Kirk came through the Alex youth ranks and made more than 200 appearances for the Club, winning a promotion in 2020, before switching to Charlton in 2021.

Now the 26-year-old is back at Mornflake Stadium after penning a deal until the end of the season.

Bell said: “I want to get away from all the ‘fairytale’ stuff. He’s here because he is a good player and in his prime.

“We are always going to be interested in a player like that, regardless of who he has or hasn’t played for in the past. Charlie is here to do well for us and create and score goals.”

Kirk made his ‘second debut’ for Crewe as a late sub in the 0-0 draw at Tranmere on Saturday.

Assistant Manager Ryan Dicker added: “Charlie will bring us match-winning moments.

“He has got an eye for goal and an eye to create. He will take a week or two to get back to full speed but he will definitely give us moments in games that can win matches for us.”