Trialists Galore As Pre-Season Gets Underway

The first Crewe Alex pre-season fixtures are due to take place this evening as Dario splits his squad for trips to Congleton and Rhyl.

The squad looks set to be evenly split with the attack heading to Congleton whilst the defence will take the slightly longer journey to Rhyl.

It means Byron Moore, Ajay Leitch-Smith and Shaun Miller will spearhead the attack at Congleton with midfielder Ashely Westwood also in the squad.

Meanwhile, defenders David Artell, Adam Dugdale and Matt Tootle will be in the back four at Rhyl alongside Harry Davis, who's set to be tried in his new right back slot. Goalkeeper Steve Phillips is also expected to travel to Rhyl.

Midfielders Luke Murphy, Lee Bell and Danny Shelley are also travelling to Rhyl.

There will also be run outs for a host of trialists who have been training with the club since pre-season training got under way last week.

Former Gillingham and Bournemouth defender Josh Gowling is expected to get a good run out tonight at one of the games. The 6ft 3in defender has been training with the club for the last week and his height and aerial ability could see him earn a deal, with other suitors in Lincoln looking unlikely to scupper any deal.

Gowling will likely be joined by former Colchester left back Curtis Haynes-Brown, who's spent recent years out of the league at the likes of AFC Sudbury and Lowestoft.

Former Leeds keeper Alan Martin will also be looking to earn a deal to become the Alex's number two goalkeeper. The 22 year old has previously played for Motherwell and Ayr, as well as loan spells at Barrow and Accrington. He also has experience in the Scotland U-21's. He left Ayr United earlier this summer after rejecting a new contract in order to return to full time football.

The ex-Alex giant defender Mat Bailey is also likely to get a chance in one of the matches after returning to the club for a trial this summer. Dario has told Bailey that he will try to give him a quick decision on a potential contract.

Meanwhile, Welsh club Rhos Aelwyd have confirmed two of their players, Mike Burke and Steve Powell, are having trials at Reaseheath after being recommended by former Alex player Steve Walters. Powell is a midfielder 'with two good feet' who is highly rated by Walters whilst Burke is a striker 'with a great eye for goal'.

Both of tonight's games are due to kick off at 7:30PM.

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