Crewe Alexandra

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Academy graduate Ainley had a surprise first call-up to the Alex first team squad in September 2015 against Swindon and made his debut late on as a substitute whilst still a scholar.

The promotion to senior squad straight from U18’s came after an impressive start to the season, netting four goals in three games in the U18 PDL2.

Ainley dropped back into the U23’s after three first team appearances, but was reinstated to the first team in February 2016 and moved from strength to strength to make a total of 17 appearances for the season, netting his first senior goal in the final home game of the campaign against Doncaster.

Last season, the 19-year-old featured far more regularly, making 31 appearances and big things are expected from the skilful middle-man in 2017/18.